bodø/glimt vs inter: Bodo in touching distance of Champions League last 16
In a shock first-leg result on February 18, 2026 (ET), Bodø/Glimt produced a powerful second-half display to beat Inter Milan 3-1 and carry a priceless lead to the San Siro. The Norwegian side, still in its domestic off-season, combined pace, precision and home advantage to leave one of Europe's elite with plenty to ponder ahead of the return.
How the match unfolded
Bodø took an early foothold on the artificial surface when Ole Didrik Blomberg's contribution and a clever backheel set up Sondre Fet to open the scoring after 20 minutes. Inter pushed back and had several near-misses: Matteo Darmian struck the post and Nicolo Barella forced saves, while a blocked header eventually allowed Francesco Pio Esposito to turn and fire home to level before half-time.
The tie turned decisively within three minutes early in the second half. On 61 minutes, a rapid Bodø counter saw Kasper Waarts Hogh thread a pass to Jens Petter Hauge, who powered a left-footed strike into the top corner to restore the lead. Inter were stunned and, as they pressed, the hosts punished space on the break; Blomberg squared for Hogh to tap home and make it 3-1. Inter hit the woodwork more than once, and their goalkeeper kept the scoreline from getting worse, but Bodø's clinical finishing proved the difference.
Why Bodø's setup caused problems for Inter
The match underlined several factors that work in Bodø's favour. The artificial pitch and Arctic-climate conditions are unusual for most continental opponents and have proven a leveller in past fixtures. More subtly, the Norwegian club's unusual calendar gave them an edge in preparation: having not endured the regular winter grind of league fixtures, they arrived fresher and able to focus on a single high-stakes tie.
Inter, by contrast, have been deep into a season packed with domestic and European fixtures. A compressed schedule can expose even the strongest squads to physical and mental fatigue, and Bodø exploited the moments where their visitors lacked sharpness. Quick transitions and direct play made use of the gaps left by a side that spent long spells chasing possession.
Stakes and the path to the last 16
The 3-1 margin hands Bodø a substantial advantage, but the tie is far from over. Inter remain a heavy-weight opponent with experience in late-stage European ties, and the return in Italy will present a very different environment. Bodø will travel knowing they can afford to be compact and counter, while Inter must strike a balance between urgency and caution to avoid conceding away goals that could prove decisive on aggregate.
Historically this is a rare knockout-stage clash between clubs from Norway and Italy, adding extra spice to the encounter. For Bodø, the result is another landmark in a remarkable European run that has already yielded scalps of high calibre. For Inter, the focus will be on recovery, tactical adjustments and finding a sharper attacking rhythm when the sides meet for the second leg.
With the return leg scheduled in mid-March, both teams face a fortnight of planning and physical management. Bodø can take confidence from a commanding first-leg performance, but the job will only be complete if they can stand up to an intense response at the San Siro.
