Bodo/Glimt deliver stunning Champions League upset, defeating Inter 3-1 with Kasper Høgh starring.
Bodo/Glimt pulled off a remarkable upset in the UEFA Champions League, stunning Italian giants Inter 3-1 at a fervent Aspmyra Stadion. Danish forward Kasper Høgh proved instrumental, contributing a goal and two vital assists to orchestrate this memorable victory.
Inter, a perennial European powerhouse, entered the match occupying a high rank in their domestic league and with a strong Champions League record. Bodo/Glimt, often considered underdogs, aimed to capitalize on their home advantage in the challenging Arctic conditions of northern Norway, despite sitting lower in their group standings.
The home side started with palpable intent, fueled by their passionate supporters. Their aggressive attacking approach quickly created problems for the more fancied visitors, signaling their ambition early on.
This early pressure paid off in the 20th minute. Midfielder Sondre Fet opened the scoring for Bodo/Glimt, finishing deftly after receiving an intelligent pass from the influential Kasper Høgh. The Aspmyra crowd erupted in rapturous celebration.
Inter sought an immediate response, pushing forward to regain control. Ten minutes later, Francesco Pio Esposito leveled the score for the visitors in the 30th minute. He capitalized on a momentary lapse in the Bodo/Glimt defence, restoring parity to the contest. Esposito then received a yellow card for holding just before half-time in the 45th minute.
The first half concluded with the score deadlocked at 1-1, setting the stage for a compelling second period. Inter needed to assert their renowned quality, while Bodo/Glimt aimed to sustain their high intensity and belief.
The second half commenced with Bodo/Glimt showing renewed vigor. They pressed high and efficiently disrupted Inter's passing rhythm, clearly searching for another breakthrough to reclaim the lead.
Their persistence was rewarded decisively in the 61st minute. Jens Petter Hauge found the net, guiding home another precise assist from Høgh to put Bodo/Glimt ahead once more. Immediately after the goal, Inter made a tactical adjustment, introducing Lautaro Martinez into the game.
Just three minutes later, in the 64th minute, Bodo/Glimt extended their advantage. Kasper Høgh himself turned scorer, powerfully slotting the ball past Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer after a well-timed pass from Ole Didrik Blomberg. This rapid-fire double gave the home side a significant cushion. Inter then made a triple substitution in the 76th minute, including replacing goal-scorer Esposito, in a desperate attempt to salvage the game. Blomberg received a yellow card in the 77th minute.
Despite Inter commanding 57% possession and registering 15 total shots, Bodo/Glimt demonstrated superior clinicality. The Norwegian side converted 6 of their 8 total shots on target. Inter's expected goals (xG) of 1.35 exceeded Bodo/Glimt's 1.17, highlighting the home team's remarkable efficiency in front of goal, with Høgh at the heart of their attacking prowess.
This memorable 3-1 victory marks a monumental achievement for Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. It breathes new life into their European campaign and sends a clear message about their capability. For Inter, this unexpected setback against a determined opponent demands immediate tactical and mental reassessment.
