Bodo/Glimt: ‘Historical moment’ as Norwegian side reach last 16 against all odds

Bodo/Glimt just keep on defying the odds.

The Norwegian team, based around 200 miles into the Arctic Circle, have forged a reputation for upsets, but on Tuesday night in Milan they produced one of the biggest in Champions League history.

Facing three-time winners Inter Milan – beaten by Paris St-Germain in the final of this competition just over nine months ago – Bodo had a daunting task, even if they held a 3-1 lead from the first leg.

Yet they rose to the occasion once more – just like they had done in beating Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in the group phase.

It was another resolute and determined display in Italy to complete a home and away double over Cristian Chivu’s men, first to repel the numerous first-half Inter attacks before scoring twice to ultimately leave the Serie A leaders with too much to do.

Winners 2-1 on the night, Bodo’s 5-2 aggregate success secured their place in the Champions League last 16 for the first time, where they will face either Manchester City or Sporting.

«It is a historical moment for Bodo and I think also for Norwegian football,» said boss Kjetil Knutsen.

Jens Petter Hauge was again inspirational, scoring his sixth goal in the competition this season for the opener, before setting up Hakon Evjen’s lovely finish for the second.

«It sounds not true, but we are there, among the last teams in the competition,» added the forward, who was back in the San Siro where he had a two-year spell at AC Milan.

«It will be really exciting to see what the next two games bring.»

This fairytale run to the knockouts will have felt unlikely for Bodo after they lost their first six games of the league phase, meaning they were left needing results against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid to qualify for the play-offs.

And, against the odds, they provided them.

A 3-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s men brought deserved attention and acclaim, but it was no one-off as Bodo overcame Atleti 2-1 in Madrid to claim a play-off spot.

Knutsen’s side lost to Spurs in the Europa League semi-finals last season, having become the first Norwegian side to reach the last four of a major European competition.

Key to their success has often been their ability to make their home games as tough as possible.

In the north of Norway, Bodo can often be bitterly cold, snowy and windy during the long winter months, with temperatures deep into minus figures.

The difficult weather conditions mean the team play on an artificial pitch made of plastic, something many sides used to playing on grass find difficult to deal with.

Those aspects, coupled with the players’ determination and strong belief in their ability, means many have left Bodo defeated.

They famously thrashed Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 at home in the Europa Conference League five years ago, while Celtic, Besiktas, Porto and Lazio have also been victims in recent years.

Manchester City won’t relish another meeting in the last 16 if they are drawn together, with Bodo buoyant after proving they have nothing to fear against Europe’s top sides.

«It’s amazing,» captain Patrick Berg told Canal+.

«For the club and city it’s unbelievable. I don’t think people thought we could beat Manchester City, Atletico and now Inter two times.

«It’s magnificent.»

This is a step into the unknown for Bodo as they prepare to play in the knockout stage of the Champions League for the first time.

But their run to the Europa League semis in the previous campaign will give them belief – and provide hope to every small club of what can still be achieved in Uefa’s major competitions.

And, for however long this journey continues, they will be backed by the now familiar sight of their vocal fans, who were unmissable at the San Siro decked out all in yellow and with scarves held in the air.

«I am so proud, we are a team from a small town,» added Knutsen.

«I really hope we show if we can do it, then everyone can do it. For me that’s the most beautiful thing of the whole story.»