In one of the most remarkable upsets in modern Champions League history, Norwegian underdog Bodo/Glimt eliminated last year’s runners-up Inter Milan on Tuesday night with a courageous 2-1 victory at the San Siro. The result secured a commanding 5-2 aggregate triumph, making Bodo/Glimt the first Norwegian club to reach the elite competition's knockout phase since 1997.

A Historic Night in Milan

Arriving in Italy with a surprising 3-1 lead from the first leg, the Norwegian champions produced a masterclass in disciplined defending and clinical counter-attacking. Despite Inter Milan dominating possession and creating early chances, it was the visitors from the Arctic Circle who struck the decisive blows.

Former AC Milan winger Jens Petter Hauge returned to haunt his old city rivals, opening the scoring in the 58th minute after seizing on a defensive error by Inter's Manuel Akanji. The goal silenced the 75,000 in attendance and left the Serie A leaders needing four goals to advance.

"It has been a journey. There is a large group of us who have been part of it. It's surreal and insanely cool," said Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen, whose tactical setup completely neutralized Inter’s star-studded attack.

How the Upset Unfolded

Inter Milan, currently 10 points clear at the top of Serie A, started furiously. Goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was the hero of the first half, producing fingertip saves to deny Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi. The hosts peppered the Bodo goal, but the "Yellow Horde" stood firm, absorbing wave after wave of pressure.

The turning point came just before the hour mark. Inter center-back Manuel Akanji, a summer arrival who has otherwise been solid, underhit a backpass. Hauge was electric in his anticipation, intercepting the ball and calmly slotting it past Yann Sommer.

With Inter reeling, Bodo/Glimt struck again in the 72nd minute. Hauge turned provider, slipping a precise through-ball to Hakon Evjen, who fired a low drive into the corner to make it 2-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.

Consolation for the Nerazzurri

Inter managed a consolation goal four minutes later when Alessandro Bastoni bundled home a corner, but the damage was irreparable. The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the 3,000 traveling Norwegian fans who had made the journey from the north.

"We conceded a goal with an individual error, it happens in football, but the most difficult thing was to break the deadlock and we didn't do it," admitted a dejected Nicolo Barella post-match.

The Rise of the Arctic Giants

This victory is no fluke. Bodo/Glimt's run to the Champions League Round of 16 has been built on a fearless approach. In the league phase, they claimed scalps against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, proving they belong on Europe's biggest stage.

For Inter Milan and their manager Cristian Chivu, the exit is a bitter blow. After reaching the final last season, crashing out to a team with a fraction of their budget raises serious questions, despite their domestic dominance.

What's Next in the Round of 16?

Bodo/Glimt now eagerly await Friday's draw, where they could face fellow giants like Manchester City or Sporting CP. Regardless of their next opponent, the team from Bodø has already written a golden chapter in Norwegian soccer history.

"We are not talking about goals, we are talking about how to perform and how we can take steps," Knutsen added. "Tonight, we took a giant leap."