Full Breakdown
Bodo/Glimt Upsets Inter Milan in Champions League Playoff First Leg
2/19/2026, 9:43:23 PM
Champions League Shock in Bodo
In a stunning upset, Bodø/Glimt defeated Inter Milan 3-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff on February 18, 2026. The Norwegian club, known for its remarkable performances this season, took the lead in the 20th minute through Sondre Brunstad Fet, who scored after a clever backheel assist from Kasper Høgh. Inter equalized shortly after with a goal from 20-year-old Pio Esposito, making him the youngest Italian to score for the club in the knockout stages. However, Bodø/Glimt regained control in the second half, with Jens Petter Hauge scoring in the 61st minute and Høgh adding a third just three minutes later.
Key Players and Performances
Kasper Høgh was instrumental for Bodø/Glimt, contributing one goal and two assists. His performance highlighted the team's effective counter-attacking strategy, which has been a hallmark of their campaign. Jens Petter Hauge, who previously played for AC Milan, also showcased his talent with a powerful strike that put Bodø/Glimt ahead again after Inter's equalizer. Despite Inter's attempts to dominate possession, including a shot from Lautaro Martinez that hit the post, they struggled to convert their chances into goals.
Official Statements & Responses
Bodø/Glimt's coach, Kjetil Knutsen, acknowledged the team's performance, stating, "First and foremost, I don’t think we played a top game today... but we score some fantastic goals." He expressed confidence in his team's ability to perform better in the return leg. Inter's coach, Cristian Chivu, noted the challenges posed by the artificial pitch and the freezing conditions, saying, "We knew they are a team that can hurt you on the break... The tie is wide open." Inter midfielder Petar Sucic emphasized the need for calm, stating, "A bad result for us and a bad night for us, but we need to stay calm and believe that we can win at home."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, some critics pointed out that Bodø/Glimt's performance was not without flaws. Knutsen mentioned that the team was "too inaccurate with the ball," suggesting that there is room for improvement. Inter's players expressed frustration over the playing conditions, particularly the artificial turf, which they felt contributed to their difficulties during the match.
What's Next
The return leg is scheduled for February 24, 2026, at Inter's home ground, San Siro. Inter will need to overcome a two-goal deficit to advance to the next round, facing a significant challenge against a team that has already proven capable of surprising top-tier opponents. The stakes are high, as the winner will face either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon in the last 16.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the match statistics indicate a strong performance from Bodø/Glimt, some reports highlight Inter's missed opportunities and the impact of injuries, particularly to captain Lautaro Martinez, who was substituted due to a calf issue. The extent of his injury remains unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Inter's lineup for the crucial second leg.
