bodø/glimt vs inter: Bodo/Glimt 3-1 shocks Inter to move within touching distance of Champions League last 16
On 18 February 2026 (ET), Bodo/Glimt handed Inter Milan a seismic Champions League setback, beating the Italian side 3-1 in the first leg of their play-off tie. The Norwegian side, still technically in their domestic off-season, produced a second-half masterclass to seize a lead they will take to San Siro for the return match.
Second-half surge stuns Inter
The match in the Arctic circle looked to be heading for a cagey finish after Sondre Fet opened the scoring with a composed finish on Bodo's synthetic pitch around the 20th minute. Inter rallied and forced chances — a post from Matteo Darmian and a low save from Nikita Haikin were early warnings — and Francesco Pio Esposito levelled for the visitors before the break.
Inter's momentum evaporated after half-time. On 61 minutes Bodo countered sharply: Kasper Waarts Høgh's clever build-up allowed Jens Petter Hauge to swing in a left-footed strike that flew into the top corner and restored the lead. The hosts struck again almost immediately as Ole Didrik Blomberg's cross found Høgh, who tapped home to make it 3-1 and send the home crowd into raptures. Inter threatened late on — Lautaro Martínez hit the post and the goalkeeper was called into action — but Bodo held firm to protect their two-goal cushion.
How the unique home edge played a role
Bodo/Glimt's home set-up remains an uncommon obstacle for elite visitors. The artificial surface in the far north demands different timing and movement, and the climate and light conditions are far from what many top European sides experience regularly. That environment, combined with a refreshed squad that has not endured the dense midweek-fall schedule facing many rivals, appears to have given Bodo an edge.
Beyond conditions, the tactical plan was clear: frustrate Inter's midfield rhythm, hit quickly on the break and punish defensive lapses. Bodo have shown in this competition they can do precisely that against high-calibre opponents, producing memorable results in recent months. Inter, despite domestic dominance, looked ordinary at times and were visibly rattled by the speed and directness of the Norwegian counters.
Implications for the tie and the week ahead
The result leaves Inter with work to do at their home ground. A 3-1 deficit is recoverable but will demand a sharper attacking display and fewer defensive mistakes. For Bodo, the task is to defend intelligently in Italy while remaining dangerous on the break; a clean sheet at San Siro would likely seal progression.
Beyond the immediate tactical questions, the outcome reshapes perceptions of this play-off. A side from a smaller league, in mid-season downtime, has now built a two-goal advantage over a multiple-time continental finalist. The return leg will test whether Bodo can replicate their home composure under a hostile atmosphere or whether Inter will rediscover their form to overturn the tie.
Coaches will have a week to fine-tune plans. Inter must manage squad rotation and recovery after a congested domestic spell, while Bodo will work to maintain sharpness and ensure their players avoid complacency. The second leg promises high drama — and a reminder that Champions League knockout football can produce unexpected narratives.
