Tue Feb 24 20:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Bodø/Glimt Stuns Inter Milan in Champions League Upset

The Story:
Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt delivered a stunning blow to Inter Milan, defeating the previous season’s finalists 2-1 at the San Siro in their Champions League playoff second leg. This remarkable victory secured Bodø/Glimt’s place in the last 16 with a 5-2 aggregate score. Despite sustained pressure from Inter, Bodø/Glimt capitalized on opportunities, with goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Håkon Evjen. Alessandro Bastoni’s late goal for Inter proved insufficient to alter the outcome.

Atlético Madrid overcame Club Brugge with a 4-1 victory, sealing a 7-4 aggregate win. Alexander Sørloth’s hat-trick was instrumental in Atlético’s triumph, though Brugge demonstrated resilience throughout the tie. Bayer Leverkusen secured their spot in the last 16 with a 0-0 draw against Olympiakos, completing a 2-0 aggregate victory.

Key Points:

  • Bodø/Glimt defeated Inter Milan 2-1 at the San Siro.
  • Bodø/Glimt won the tie 5-2 on aggregate.
  • Jens Petter Hauge and Håkon Evjen scored for Bodø/Glimt.
  • Alexander Sørloth scored a hat-trick for Atlético Madrid against Club Brugge.
  • Atlético Madrid won 4-1, with a 7-4 aggregate score.
  • Bayer Leverkusen drew 0-0 with Olympiakos, winning 2-0 on aggregate.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bodø/Glimt’s victory highlights the increasing competitiveness of smaller European clubs in the Champions League.
  • Inter Milan’s elimination is a significant upset, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of knockout football.
  • Atlético Madrid’s progression, while expected, was hard-fought against a resilient Club Brugge side.
  • Bayer Leverkusen’s solid performance secured their place in the next round, showcasing their tactical discipline.
  • The Champions League continues to deliver unexpected results and compelling narratives.

Impact Analysis:

Bodø/Glimt’s advancement to the last 16 represents a major achievement for Norwegian football and could inspire other smaller clubs to believe in their chances on the European stage. Inter Milan’s early exit raises questions about their squad depth and tactical approach, potentially leading to significant changes in the future. Atlético Madrid’s progression, while expected, sets them up for a challenging round of 16 clash against either Liverpool or Tottenham. Bayer Leverkusen’s consistent performance positions them as a team to watch in the later stages of the competition, with a possible showdown against Bayern Munich or Arsenal looming. The outcome of these matches will shape the narrative of the Champions League season and influence team strategies and player valuations.

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