Manchester City travelled to Norway this week, hoping to continue their dominant form in the Champions League. Among them was their star striker, Erling Haaland, returning to his homeland with the Premier League champions. Yet the Norwegian fans did not roll out the expected red carpet for Pep Guardiola’s side. Instead, history was made — and not in City’s favour.
Bodo/Glimt, a club that had never won a Champions League match in its history, pulled off a remarkable 3-1 victory over City at their home ground. The triumph was witnessed live by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who was seated in the stands and watched as the underdogs delivered what is arguably the finest performance in the club’s history.
From the opening whistle, Bodo took the initiative, pressing City high and creating immediate danger. Manchester City responded with a few opportunities of their own, but both Phil Foden and Erling Haaland were unable to convert. Meanwhile, Bodo’s attacks proved clinical. City’s defence, particularly down the left flank, repeatedly crumbled under pressure.
The first two goals came from Kasper Høgh, capitalising on defensive lapses. At the 22nd minute, Ole Didrik Blomberg’s precise cross allowed Høgh to open the scoring. Almost immediately, Blomberg dispossessed City, feeding Høgh who slotted home effortlessly to double the lead.
The second half saw Jens Petter Hauge extend Bodo’s advantage to 3-0, leaving City reeling. A brief spark of hope arrived two minutes later when Ryan Cherki scored for City, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, the game took a further turn when Rodri Hernández received a second yellow card in the 62nd minute, leaving City with ten men and further dampening their chances of a comeback.
As the final whistle blew, Bodo/Glimt’s supporters erupted in celebration. It was a historic night: the club’s first-ever Champions League victory, achieved against the reigning Premier League champions. For City, it was a sobering reminder that in European football, no team can be underestimated.
Key Match Events:
| Minute | Event | Player(s) | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22′ | Goal | Kasper Høgh (assist: Ole Didrik Blomberg) | Bodo/Glimt |
| 23′ | Goal | Kasper Høgh (assist: Blomberg) | Bodo/Glimt |
| 2nd Half | Goal | Jens Petter Hauge | Bodo/Glimt |
| 2nd Half | Goal | Ryan Cherki | Manchester City |
| 62′ | Red Card (second yellow) | Rodri Hernández | Manchester City |
Bodo/Glimt’s victory will be remembered as a monumental upset in Champions League history, marking the club’s rise on the European stage and giving Haaland’s homecoming a story he may not have wished for.