Inter Milan plundered at the San Siro!: Bodø/Glimt Knock Serie A giant out of the Champions League playoffs

The Vikings from Norway have plundered Serie A leaders. (Image credits – CommonsWikipedia, Licence Details)

Bodø/Glimt have scripted history as they stunned Inter Milan at the San Siro, winning 2-1 on the night, 5-2 on aggregate. The Norwegian club outmuscled last year's finalists, who are also currently leading the Serie A table.

Bodo have become the first club from Norway to progress through a Champions League or European knockout tie since 1987. The Scandinavians defended brilliantly and needed two quickfire counterattacking goals to overcome Inter.

In the first half, the visitors were pegged back in their half as they were set to defend their 3-1 lead from the first leg. The home side kept rotating the ball, but without Lautaro Martinez up front leading their attack, Inter looked blunt and missed the cutting edge in the final third.

Manuel Akanji’s error gave Bodo the lead, which put them three goals up on aggregate. Although Bastoni pulled one back for the home side moments later, Cristian Chivu's men had become completely deflated after the first goal.

Hakon Evjen bagged a beautiful goal on the break to seal the deal for the Scandinavians, as the fans appeared to leave the stadium in large numbers disappointed. Bodø/Glimt are set to face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the Round of 16.

Kjetil Knutsen’s team are on a fairytale run this season, having beaten Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in the league phase of the Champions League. Bodo will aim to replicate similar defensive brilliance in the next stage and script more history.

“Viking power in Champions League! ”: Bodø/Glimt’s disciplined approach led to Inter’s fall

Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt pulled off one of the most remarkable moments in their history and also one of the biggest upsets in the Champions League in recent history by eliminating Inter Milan from the playoffs stage.

Across both legs, the Scandinavian side demonstrated a disciplined and organised defensive backline that shifted into a compact 4-5-1 without the ball. This shift disrupted Inter’s 3-5-2 system by blocking vertical spaces and left the wingbacks isolated. 

Kjetil Knutsen's side didn't press high; instead, it sat deep with a disciplined approach, waiting for the right moments to pounce and attack. Inter’s fullbacks were often left exposed, encouraging crosses from the flanks.

The Italian side dominated possession, but it was all useless, as they couldn't create anything from the centre. Even when Chivu's side attempted to overload the flanks, Bodø shifted into a back five which created a constant 2v1 with the Inter players.

Being organised at the back, the Norwegian side was too quick in transition. On top of that, their finishing in the final third was exceptional considering they did not manage to attempt many shots on goal.

Goalie Nikita Haikin was also phenomenal across both legs, leaving Inter frustrated at times. The 3-1 victory in the home leg thanks to their home support gave a psychological edge to the Scandinavian side. 

Inter dominated with the ball, but Bodo showcased discipline and strength without the ball, scoring when it mattered the most. They played without any pressure, having nothing to lose, fearlessly and scripted their name in the pages of Norway’s football history.