Norway’s Bodo/Glimt eliminated Inter Milan with a historic 2-1 win at San Siro, joining Newcastle, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16.
BODO/GLIMT produced one of the most remarkable results in modern Champions League history by beating Inter Milan 2-1 at San Siro.
The Norwegian side’s 5-2 aggregate triumph knocked out last season’s runners-up and sent them into the last 16.
Jens Petter Hauge, a former AC Milan player, gave the visitors the lead just before the hour mark after a defensive error.
Hakon Evjen then made it 2-0 on the night, leaving Inter with an insurmountable aggregate deficit despite Alessandro Bastoni’s late consolation.
Bodo/Glimt are the first Norwegian side to reach this stage since Rosenborg in 1997.
“For us it’s been unbelievable. We knew it would be very hard against Inter who are a very strong team and played in the final last season,” said Hauge.
Their achievement is amplified by the fact they are currently in their off-season, with the Norwegian league not restarting until mid-March.
Newcastle United also progressed after a 3-2 home win over Qarabag sealed a 9-3 aggregate victory.
Sandro Tonali and Joelinton scored early before Sven Botman added a third, ensuring six English clubs will feature in the next round.
“I think if you look at the score over the two legs it’s been fantastic from the players even though today feels like a bit of a hollow win for us,” said manager Eddie Howe.
Atletico Madrid advanced 7-4 on aggregate after a 4-1 second-leg win over Club Brugge.
Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth was the star with a hat-trick, taking his season tally to 15 goals in all competitions.
Diego Simeone’s side will face either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool next.
“I’m not thinking about Liverpool or Tottenham, I’m enjoying today’s game and being in the last 16 for another season is very important,” Simeone told broadcaster Movistar.
Bayer Leverkusen completed the round’s qualifiers after a 0-0 home draw with Olympiacos confirmed their 2-0 aggregate passage.
The 2024 German champions will now meet either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.
For Inter Milan, elimination at this stage is a bitter blow after reaching last season’s final.
