Norwegian football reached a historic milestone on Tuesday night as Bodø/Glimt eliminated Inter Milan from the UEFA Champions League, sealing a 2–1 away win at the iconic San Siro and progressing 5–2 on aggregate.
Facing intense pressure from the opening whistle, Glimt absorbed wave after wave of Inter attacks in the first half, with goalkeeper Nikita Haikin producing a composed display to keep the hosts at bay. Inter dominated possession and chances but lacked cutting edge, especially in the absence of injured captain Lautaro Martínez.
The breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute, and it came in ruthless fashion. A costly defensive error from Manuel Akanji was pounced upon by former Milan winger Jens Petter Hauge, who finished calmly to extend Glimt’s aggregate lead and silence the home crowd.
Inter pushed even harder in response, committing numbers forward, but that ambition left them exposed. In the 72nd minute, Hauge turned provider, delivering a precise cross that Håkon Evjen converted emphatically to make it 2–0 on the night and effectively decide the tie.
A late goal from Alessandro Bastoni offered Inter brief hope, but it proved little more than consolation. Despite registering 30 shots overall, the Italian side managed just seven on target, epitomising a frustrating European exit.
For Glimt, the final whistle marked a landmark achievement. They are the first Norwegian club to progress from a Champions League knockout tie since 1987 and will now face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the last 16. Inter, meanwhile, turn their full focus to domestic matters as they continue their pursuit of the Serie A title.
