—- MILAN’S Stadio Meazza at San Siro has witnessed many historic European nights, but few as improbable as the achievement of Bodø/Glimt, the club from a Norwegian town of just 50,000 people, defeating Inter Milan 2-1 in front of their own fans, securing a 5-2 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League round of 16.

For Inter, last season’s finalists and the current Serie A leaders, the night was a catastrophe. For Bodø/Glimt, it was the definitive proof that they are no longer just a curiosity from the Arctic Circle, but a genuine force in European football.

Entering the second leg with a 3-1 lead from the first leg in Norway, Kjetil Knutsen’s side were expected to face a relentless Italian onslaught. For 45 minutes, that appeared to be the case. Inter peppered the visitors’ goal, with Alessandro Bastoni and Davide Frattesi both denied by the inspired reflexes of Nikita Haikin.

Inter’s frustration grew as the absence of the injured Lautaro Martínez became glaringly apparent. Despite dominating possession and recording 12 shots in the first half—a record for them in a knockout match without scoring—the Nerazzurri lacked the clinical edge to break the deadlock.

The tension in the stands turned to disbelief in the 58th minute. Against the run of play, Jens Petter Hauge—a former AC Milan player returning to haunt his old rivals—pounced on a rebound after a rare Manuel Akanji error to slot home. The goal silenced the home crowd and left Inter needing three to even force extra time.

As Inter pushed forward in desperation, the Norwegians struck again. In the 72nd minute, Håkon Evjen capped a swift counter-attack with a magnificent volley into the bottom corner. While Alessandro Bastoni managed to pull one back for the hosts four minutes later, it served only as a statistical footnote.

“It’s unbelievable,” said a jubilant Knutsen after the final whistle. “A team from a small town up north, winning at the San Siro. We believed in our identity, and tonight, the players were heroes.”

No further shocks were witnessed in the night’s other ties.

Atlético Madrid beat Club Brugge 4-1 and thus 7-4 on aggregate with three goals from Alexander Sørloth helped the Spanish side comfortably dispatch the Belgians and secure their progress.

Newcastle defeated Qarabag 3-2 and thus 9-3 overall while Bayer Leverkusen progressed after a goalless draw with Olympiacos which secured a 2-0 aggregate success.

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