Bodo/Glimt Stun Inter Milan to Advance in Champions League While Newcastle and Atletico Secure Last-16 Spots
Norways Bodo/Glimt achieved one of the greatest upsets in recent Champions League records on Tuesday by defeating last years finalists Inter Milan 2-1 at the San Siro securing a 5-2 aggregate victory to progress to the last 16 alongside Newcastle United Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.
The underdogs from above the Arctic Circle aimed to build on their impressive 3-1 victory in the first leg back in Norway during their knockout playoff.
Inter the treble-winning European giants who lead Serie A by 10 points were favourites to overturn the deficit and dominate the match yet Bodo/Glimt held firm defensively before sealing the outcome after the break.
Former AC Milan player Jens Petter Hauge opened the scoring shortly before the hour following an error by Manuel Akanji that let Ole Blomberg attempt a shot which the keeper blocked.
Hakon Evjen doubled the advantage to 2-0 on the night and 5-1 overall making it a mountain too high for Inter despite Alessandro Bastoni netting a late consolation that barely crossed the goal line.
Bodo/Glimt who claimed four Norwegian Eliteserien crowns in the last five seasons before ending second to Viking Stavanger last year become the first Norwegian club to reach this stage since Rosenborgs quarter-final run in 1997.
"This has been incredible for us We knew facing Inter would be tough they are a powerful side who reached the final last year" Hauge remarked.
Their next opponents will be revealed on Friday potentially facing either Portuguese side Sporting or Manchester City whom they beat 3-1 at home in the league stage last month.
Their achievement stands out even more as coach Kjetil Knutsens squad is in winter break with the Norwegian season wrapping up in late November and resuming in mid-March.
Inter face an early disappointment after last seasons final appearance where they were thrashed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain.
Sorloth Nets Hat-Trick
Newcastle built on their 6-1 away triumph over Qarabag in Azerbaijan last week with a 3-2 home win at St James Park ensuring six English teams in the following stage under Eddie Howe.
Sandro Tonali and Joelinton struck within the first six minutes putting Qarabag on the ropes once again.
Camilo Duran reduced the deficit soon after halftime though Sven Botman restored the two-goal cushion with a header but Elvin Jafarguliyev made it 3-2 tapping in after Marko Jankovics spot-kick was stopped.
Newcastle now anticipate a blockbuster clash next against either Chelsea or Barcelona.
"Looking at the two-legged scoreline its been outstanding from the squad even if todays result feels somewhat empty" Howe commented.
Atletico drew 3-3 with Club Brugge in Belgium last week but delivered a 4-1 rout in the return leg at home to progress 7-4 overall.
Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth shone brightest bagging a hat-trick starting with the first goal midway through the opening period from a goalkeeper Jan Oblak long clearance.
Joel Ordonez equalised for the visitors via header before the interval but US midfielder Johnny Cardoso quickly re-established Atleticos advantage post-break.
Sorloth added his second and the teams third on 76 minutes via a slick exchange between Ademola Lookman and Antoine Griezmann before sealing his treble with his 15th goal across all tournaments this term.
Diego Simeoness side will meet either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool ahead.
"Im not dwelling on Tottenham or Liverpool Im savouring this match and reaching the last 16 again means a lot" Simeone shared with Movistar.
Meanwhile Leverkusen paired their 2-0 Greek away success over Olympiacos last week with a goalless home draw to advance.
The 2024 Bundesliga winners now prepare for a major challenge versus either Arsenal or Bayern Munich from their own league.