Norwegian Football Glory: Bodø/Glimt Shines in Champions League with 2 Points in First 5 Matches, Then Earns 7 Points Against 3 Giants in Last 3 Rounds + Eliminates Inter Milan

Norwegian football has been remarkably impressive over the past year. First, the Norway national team defeated the four-time World Cup winners Italy twice in the qualifiers, topping their group and securing direct entry to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Then, Norwegian powerhouse Bodø/Glimt, despite earning only 2 points in the first 5 Champions League matches, managed an astonishing 7 points against three major clubs from the top five leagues in the last 3 rounds and decisively knocked out Serie A leaders and last season's Europa League runners-up Inter Milan in the playoff round.

Bodø/Glimt truly is the Northern Lights of football. They advanced to the Champions League group stage by eliminating Sturm Graz in the qualifiers but struggled initially with just 2 draws and 3 losses in the first 5 group matches, collecting only 2 points. Many fans and media considered Bodø/Glimt to be an easy target, a point-boosting side for the big teams from the top five leagues. However, in the last 3 group matches, facing three giants—Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and Atlético Madrid—Bodø/Glimt grew stronger. They drew 2-2 away against Dortmund, then won 3-1 at home against Manchester City, and finally secured a 2-1 away victory over Atlético Madrid, earning 7 points in these final games. Finishing the group stage with 9 points in 3rd place, they qualified for the playoff round of the Champions League round of 16. Facing Serie A leaders and last season's Europa League runners-up Inter Milan, Bodø/Glimt defeated them twice—3-1 at home and 2-1 away—powerfully advancing to the last 16, where they will meet either Manchester City or Sporting CP.

Whether Bodø/Glimt draws Manchester City or Sporting CP next, they remain a strong underdog. They have already beaten Manchester City in the group stage, and if they face Sporting CP, their chances to progress further are even higher. Regardless of how far Bodø/Glimt goes this season in the Champions League, their outstanding performances against Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan have already won them countless fans. Bodø/Glimt truly is the Northern Lights of the Champions League — brilliant, colorful, and captivating football fans worldwide.