Norway's Bodo/Glimt secured a surprising 3-1 victory over Inter Milan in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff on February 18, 2026. The home side, playing their debut knockout match in the competition, capitalized on quick transitions to take a two-goal lead into the return leg in Milan. Inter, last season's finalists, equalized briefly but struggled in the freezing conditions at Aspmyra Stadion.
Bodo/Glimt hosted Inter Milan at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodo, Norway, on a freezing evening for the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff. The Norwegian champions, located north of the Arctic Circle and farther north than any previous Champions League participant, began confidently against the more experienced Serie A leaders.
The match's breakthrough came in the 20th minute when a flowing move down the left involving Fredrik Bjorkan and Hakon Evjen led to Kasper Hogh flicking the ball with his back to goal. Sondre Brunstad Fet received it and drove a powerful finish into the top corner past Yann Sommer, giving Bodo/Glimt a 1-0 lead.
Inter responded quickly, pushing higher up the pitch. Matteo Darmian struck the post from close range, and Nicolo Barella forced a save from Nikita Haikin. The equalizer arrived on the 30th minute: Barella's deep delivery caused confusion, Carlos Augusto headed it back into the six-yard box, and Francesco Pio Esposito turned to drill low past Haikin, making it 1-1.
After halftime, Inter nearly turned the game around. Barella's lofted pass sent Esposito through, but Lautaro Martinez hit the post on the rebound amid an offside flag. Haikin later saved a free kick from Carlos Augusto.
Bodo/Glimt regained control in the 61st minute during a transition. After Inter lost possession high on the left, Patrick Berg released Hogh, who squared to Jens Petter Hauge for a sweep into the top corner, restoring the lead at 2-1. Three minutes later, Hauge carried forward, fed Ole Blomberg on the right, and his low cross found Hogh unmarked for a close-range finish, extending the advantage to 3-1.
Inter made a substitution when Martinez felt a calf issue and was replaced by Marcus Thuram, but the visitors' late crosses were cleared by the home defense. The final whistle confirmed Bodo/Glimt's famous win, their first in a Champions League knockout tie, following earlier victories over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
Kasper Hogh said, “I feel amazing, just thankful to play with this team. I’m happy that I could help the team by making assists and scoring a goal. I play in a good team, so that’s nice.” Inter's Petar Sucic responded, “A bad result for us and a bad night for us, but we need to stay calm and believe that we can win at home.” The return leg is scheduled for next Tuesday at San Siro.
