Bodø/Glimt Stun Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen Cruise in Champions League

Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt edges closer to Champions League last 16 with upset win, while Bayer Leverkusen takes control of their tie.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Bodø/Glimt continued its remarkable Champions League run, defeating Inter Milan 3-1 to move within reach of the last 16. Sondre Brunstad Fet, Kasper Hogh, and Jens Petter Hauge scored for the Norwegian underdogs, who have now beaten the likes of Manchester City and Atlético Madrid. Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 away win over Olympiacos, with Patrik Schick netting a brace. The results highlight the growing competitiveness in European football, with smaller clubs challenging the traditional giants.

Why it matters

Bodø/Glimt's success is more than just a series of surprising results; it's a testament to the growing competitiveness of European football. The Norwegian side's ability to consistently overcome more established clubs demonstrates that tactical innovation and team spirit can often outweigh financial disparities. Their journey has captivated fans and analysts alike, offering a refreshing narrative in a competition often dominated by a select few.

The details

Bodø/Glimt opened the scoring through Sondre Brunstad Fet, who capitalized on an assist from Kasper Hogh. Inter Milan equalized before halftime through Francesco Pio Esposito, but the second half belonged to the Norwegian underdogs. Hogh provided assists for Jens Petter Hauge and then scored himself, quickly turning the tide and establishing a commanding lead. Inter Milan, last season's Champions League runners-up, now face a significant uphill battle in the second leg to avoid an embarrassing exit. Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, secured a valuable away victory, with Patrik Schick scoring twice around the hour mark.

  • Bodø/Glimt opened the scoring in the 20th minute.
  • Inter Milan equalized before halftime.
  • Jens Petter Hauge scored for Bodø/Glimt in the 61st minute.
  • Kasper Hogh scored for Bodø/Glimt in the 64th minute.
  • Patrik Schick scored twice for Bayer Leverkusen around the hour mark.

The players

Bodø/Glimt

A Norwegian football club that has emerged as a surprise contender in the Champions League, defeating the likes of Manchester City and Atlético Madrid.

Bayer Leverkusen

A German football club that secured a valuable away victory in the Champions League playoffs.

Patrik Schick

A Czech striker for Bayer Leverkusen who scored a brace in the win over Olympiacos, showcasing his form ahead of the World Cup qualification playoff.

Inter Milan

The Italian club that was defeated by Bodø/Glimt, highlighting the growing competitiveness in European football.

Diego Simeone

The manager of Atlético Madrid, whose team's defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in their 3-3 draw with Club Brugge.

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What’s next

Bodø/Glimt will travel to Milan for the second leg, hoping to complete one of the most remarkable underdog stories in Champions League history. Bayer Leverkusen appears to be in a comfortable position, while the ties involving Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid remain wide open.

The takeaway

The first legs of the Champions League knockout playoffs have demonstrated the growing competitiveness of European football, with smaller clubs like Bodø/Glimt challenging the established order and showcasing the power of tactical innovation and team spirit over financial disparities.