Milan/London: In one of the most remarkable stories of this season’s UEFA Champions League, Bodo/Glimt have reached the last-16 knockout stage for the first time in their history, stunning Italian giants Inter Milan in the round-of-32 knockout playoff tie. The Norwegian minnows completed a stunning 5-2 aggregate victory over having won 3-1 in the first leg at home and followed it up with a 2-1 win at the San Siro. Their progress marks an extraordinary run by a club from outside Europe’s traditional “big five” a side once struggling to win any Champions League game this season has now stormed into the knockout rounds.
Glimt’s triumph under coach Kjetil Knutsen continues one of European football’s most compelling underdog narratives: they had never won a Champions League match before this campaign and have now beaten Man City, Atlético Madrid and Inter in succession an unprecedented sequence for such a modest-sized club.
Inter Shocked as Glimt Advance
Inter entered the second leg trailing from the first match and produced an encouraging start at the San Siro but were undone by defensive lapses. Jens Petter Hauge opened the scoring, and Hakon Evje doubled the lead in the second half to put Glimt firmly in control. Although Alessandro Bastoni pulled one back for the Italian side, it was little more than consolation as the Norwegian club sealed the historic win.
This progression makes Glimt the first Norwegian club to win a Champions League knockout tie in the modern era, highlighting how the club’s tactical discipline and fearless attacking approach have upended expectations this season. A remarkable achievement that spectators will recall as one of the competition’s great underdog stories.
Newcastle United Prevail to Reach Knockouts
On the other side of the playoff bracket, Newcastle United also sealed a spot in the last 16 for the first time in the club’s history. The Magpies booked their knockout berth after a 9-3 aggregate win over Qarabag. Newcastle had already put themselves in an unassailable position with a 6-1 victory in the first leg in Baku and then secured the reverse fixture 3-2 at St James’ Park to wrap up the tie.
Goals from Sandro Tonali and Joelinton early in the second leg set the tone, and although Qarabag fought back, Sven Botman’s headed goal ensured that Newcastle maintained a comfortable aggregate advantage. Their advancement brings the club’s best Champions League performance yet, signalling a new era in European competition for the Premier League side.
Other Advancements and Round-of-16 Landscape
Aside from Bodo/Glimt and Newcastle, other sides also booked their place in the last 16. Atlético Madrid secured their spot with a 7-4 aggregate win over Club Brugge, thanks in part to a hat-trick from Alexander Sorloth. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen progressed after holding Olympiacos to a goalless draw.
With the draw for the last 16 scheduled later this week, the spotlight now turns to who Glimt and Newcastle will face in the next round. Newcastle could draw heavyweight opposition such as Barcelona or Chelsea, while Glimt’s path could pit them against even tougher challenges potentially including a clash with Manchester City or Sporting CP.
Rewriting Expectations in Europe’s Elite Competition
Both clubs’ progress reflects the unpredictability and romance of the Champions League where giant-slaying stories capture global attention. For Bodo/Glimt, their fairy-tale run underscores the potential for smaller-budget clubs to challenge Europe’s elite and make football history. For Newcastle United, reaching the round of 16 marks a milestone in the club’s resurgence on the continental stage.
As the competition moves deeper into the knockout phase, fans will eagerly await the draw and the next set of captivating matchups in one of club football’s most prestigious tournaments.