Bodø/Glimt of Norway delivered a stunning upset in the Champions League playoff first leg, defeating Inter Milan 3-1 on Wednesday. The result comes as Newcastle United too secured a dominant victory, routing Qarabag 6-1 with a remarkable four-goal performance from Anthony Gordon.
Sondre Brunstad Fet opened the scoring for Bodø/Glimt in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a neat finish. Inter Milan responded through Pio Esposito in the 30th minute, leveling the score. However, the Norwegian side regained control in the second half with goals from Jens Petter Hauge in the 61st minute and Kasper Hogh three minutes later, securing a significant advantage heading into the second leg in Milan.
Bodø/Glimt’s victory continues a remarkable run for the club, having previously defeated Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in the competition. The team, located north of the Arctic Circle, is the furthest north any team has ever been in Champions League history.
Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon’s four goals propelled Newcastle United to a commanding 6-1 win over Qarabag. Gordon found the net in the 3rd, 32nd (penalty), 34th, and 45+1 minutes, showcasing a dominant first-half performance. Thiaw added another goal for Newcastle in the 9th minute, and Murphy extended the lead in the 72nd minute. Qarabag managed a single goal through Jaragulijev in the 55th minute.
Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid drew 3-3 with Club Brugge after leading 2-0 at halftime. Álvarez scored a penalty for Atlético in the 8th minute, and Lookman added another in the 45+4 minute. However, Brugge fought back with goals from Onyedika (52nd minute), Tresoldi (60th minute), and Tzolis (89th minute), the latter securing the draw with a cross-shot. Atlético has now failed to win in seven attempts on Belgian soil in European competitions.
Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 victory over Olympiacos, with Patrik Schick scoring both goals in the 60th and 63rd minutes. Schick has now scored four goals in the current Champions League season.
The return legs of these Champions League playoff matchups are scheduled for next week.
