Bodo/Glimt delivered a stunning upset in the UEFA Champions League, defeating Inter 2-1 at San Siro with a display of resilience and clinical finishing.
The Norwegian visitors secured a memorable victory against an Inter side that entered the match as heavy favorites. Jens Petter Hauge was instrumental, contributing a goal and an assist to sink the Italian giants.
Inter, sitting fifth in their Champions League group with 12 points, sought to solidify their position. Bodo/Glimt, meanwhile, were struggling at 34th with only 2 points, having yet to secure a win in the competition.
From the kickoff, Inter dominated possession, controlling 71% of the ball. They pressed hard, launching waves of attacks against Bodo/Glimt’s disciplined defense.
Despite their relentless pressure, the home side found clear chances elusive. Federico Dimarco and Marcus Thuram fired multiple shots, but the final touch often evaded them or met a resolute Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper.
Inter registered an overwhelming 30 total shots, with 7 finding the target, yet Bodo/Glimt's rear-guard held firm. The first half ended goalless, a testament to the Norwegian team's defensive efforts.
At halftime, Inter’s manager faced the challenge of unlocking Bodo/Glimt’s compact setup. Bodo/Glimt, on the other hand, needed to maintain their defensive integrity and seek opportunities on the counter-attack.
The deadlock finally broke in the 58th minute. Jens Petter Hauge, receiving a precise pass from Ole Didrik Blomberg, drilled the ball home to give Bodo/Glimt a shock lead.
Inter responded with a triple substitution, bringing on Davide Frattesi, Luis Henrique, and Piotr Zielinski to inject fresh attacking impetus. However, the tactical changes did not immediately yield results.
Instead, Bodo/Glimt doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute. Hauge turned provider, setting up Håkon Evjen who slotted calmly past the Inter goalkeeper, stunning the San Siro crowd into silence.
Inter found a lifeline just four minutes later. Alessandro Bastoni headed in from close range after an assist from Ange-Yoan Bonny, narrowing the shortfall and igniting hopes of a comeback.
However, Bodo/Glimt managed the remaining minutes effectively, making late substitutions to shore up their defense. They frustrated Inter's desperate attempts to find an equalizer.
The statistics highlighted Inter's frustration; they had an Expected Goals (xG) of 2.15 compared to Bodo/Glimt’s 1.74. While Inter had 30 total shots and 16 corner kicks, Bodo/Glimt scored twice from just 7 shots, 5 of which were on target.
This remarkable 2-1 win is a monumental result for Bodo/Glimt, providing a huge confidence boost in their Champions League campaign. For Inter, it represents a significant setback, raising questions about their clinical edge at this elite level.
