What Happened
Bodo/Glimt achieved a remarkable feat by defeating three-time European champions Inter Milan with a 2-1 victory in the second leg of their Champions League play-off, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate win. This victory marks Bodo/Glimt as the first Norwegian team to progress from a knockout round in Europe’s elite competition since 1987.
Why It Matters
This achievement is significant not only for Bodo/Glimt but also for Norwegian football, showcasing the potential of smaller clubs to compete against Europe’s elite. The team, which was in Norway’s second-tier league as recently as 2017, has now secured a place in the Champions League round of 16, having previously recorded wins against major clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and Atletico Madrid. Their success is particularly impressive given their modest wage bill of approximately €176,000 per week, highlighting that financial constraints do not preclude success in modern football.
What’s Next
Bodo/Glimt will face either Sporting or Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16. As they continue to defy expectations, their journey serves as an inspiration for underdog teams across Europe.
