Bodø/Glimt of Norway delivered a stunning upset in the first leg of the Champions League playoff round, defeating Italian Serie A leaders Inter Milan 3-1 at the Aspmyra Stadion on Tuesday, February 18, 2026. The victory puts the Norwegian side in a strong, though not decisive, position ahead of the return leg in Milan.
Sondre Brunstad Fet opened the scoring for Bodø/Glimt in the 20th minute, finishing a move initiated by a clever backheel assist from captain Kasper Högh. Inter responded ten minutes later through Francesco Pio Esposito, leveling the score at 1-1. However, Bodø/Glimt quickly regained control, with Jens Petter Hauge scoring in the 61st minute and Högh adding a third goal just three minutes later, securing a commanding lead.
The result marks a significant achievement for Bodø/Glimt, who have previously demonstrated their capability against European giants, including a 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund, a 3-1 win over Manchester City in Bodø, and a 2-1 victory at Atletico Madrid. Coach Kjetil Knutsen, however, cautioned against complacency. “This is an excellent starting point. But we recognize from the Europa League how difficult it is away in Europe. We must not think that we have something to defend,” Knutsen stated after the match, emphasizing the need to maintain focus for the second leg.
Inter Milan, currently seven points clear at the top of the Serie A table, still believe they can overturn the deficit at home. Midfielder Petar Sucic acknowledged a difficult evening for his team but remained optimistic. “It was a tough game against a good opponent. It was a bad night for us, but we must stay calm and believe that we can win at home,” Sucic said. Inter coach Cristian Chivu defended his players, attributing some of the difficulty to the playing surface and cold conditions, but conceded that the tie remains open.
Chivu stated, “We tried everything despite the pitch and the cold, I can’t fault their attitude much.” He added that the artificial turf was not an excuse, but that “everything is still open, there is still the return leg.” Esposito, the Inter goalscorer, also dismissed suggestions of a lack of effort. “A problem with attitude? I don’t think so,” he said. “Bodø is a strong team. Even if they may not yet have a huge name.”
Bodø/Glimt’s victory has sparked discussion in Norway about their potential in the Champions League, with some speculating about a possible run to the final. Knutsen himself hinted at further potential within his squad, stating, “I think we have more potential than we showed today overall.” The second leg is scheduled to be played in Milan, with the winners advancing to the Champions League group stage, where they could face either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon.
