Bodo/Glimt's stunning victory over Inter Milan highlights their extraordinary ascent
Bodo/Glimt is progressing impressively in the Champions League after eliminating prominent European outfit Inter Milan, marking the most recent development in the impressive journey of this modest club situated north of the Arctic Circle.
The squad led by Kjetil Knutsen has advanced to the knockout stage of the worlds premier club tournament with two victories against last seasons runners up, securing a 5 2 overall win that stands as their finest achievement to date.
"This feels like a fantastic night for the club, the squad, the community, and Norwegian football as a whole," commented Knutsen, who has guided Bodo/Glimt since 2018.
"Our focus is not just on scoring, but on execution, progression, and enhancing both the individuals and the collective. That approach seems vital right now.
"We stick to our method, and that commitment is key."
Their success on Tuesday extended their winning streak to four consecutive matches in the Champions League, having previously overcome Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in the closing league phase fixtures, which secured their place in the playoff round.
Bodo/Glimt earned promotion to Norways elite division, long controlled for thirty years by Trondheims Rosenborg, back in 2017, yet they have since claimed the domestic title in four out of the subsequent six campaigns.
From that point, they have gradually climbed the ranks at home and abroad, achieving a historic milestone last year as the inaugural Norwegian side to reach the semi finals of a significant European tournament via their Europa League quarter final progress.
Prior to this campaign, their standout moment was a penalty shootout win over Lazio in the Europa League last eight, followed by an exit against Tottenham Hotspur.
However, this unheralded group with limited funds has now elevated their status significantly, facing either City or Portugals Sporting next month.
Prospects ahead
Bodo/Glimt was once viewed as challenging foes mainly because of their synthetic surface and the often harsh weather at their 8,200 seat Aspmyra Stadium.
Yet they have now bolstered their away form, delivering a robust backline performance on Tuesday that enabled Jens Petter Hauge and Hakon Evjen to land decisive counter attacks.
"I tend to focus on what comes next, so that is our mindset. To me, the past holds less weight," Knutsen remarked.
This outcome served as a sharp reminder for the three time champions Inter, whose resources and prominence far exceed those of the Norwegians, positioning them as frontrunners for this seasons Serie A crown.
A heavy loss to Paris Saint Germain may have tainted their prior European effort, but Inter reached that final by defeating Bayern Munich and Barcelona in intense playoff encounters.
Inter dominated the opening period, but after Hauge exploited Manuel Akanjis careless pass near his own penalty area, the Italians could not recover.
"The Champions League demands high levels of competition, and any team at this juncture brings real quality," noted Inter manager Cristian Chivu.
"They demonstrated it in Dortmund, Madrid, versus City, and against us on both occasions."
The loss to Bodo/Glimt carried added meaning, echoing Norways double success over Italy during World Cup qualifiers.
Italy now risks having no representatives in the last 16, with Juventus and Atalanta behind Galatasaray and Borussia Dortmund, further damaging the standing of a once mighty football power that has endured recent struggles.