Manchester City returned to Norway with their star striker, Erling Haaland, but Pep Guardiola’s side found no warm welcome on Haaland’s home turf. Instead, they were handed a historic lesson by Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt, a team that had never before won a UEFA Champions League match. On Tuesday evening, Bodø/Glimt defeated Manchester City 3-1 at home, producing what is widely regarded as the club’s finest European performance to date.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre witnessed the match in person, sitting in the stands as Bodø/Glimt delivered a display of clinical efficiency and tactical discipline. From the first whistle, Bodø/Glimt pressed aggressively, testing City’s defence repeatedly. While City had early opportunities—Haaland and Phil Foden each squandered chances—the home side capitalised on every opportunity they created.
Bodø/Glimt’s breakthrough came through Kasper Høgh. In the 22nd minute, he converted a precise cross from Ole Didrik Blomberg to open the scoring. Barely a minute later, Blomberg intercepted a City clearance and laid the ball off to Høgh, who doubled the lead with ease. City’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on the left flank, were ruthlessly exposed.
The second half saw Jens Petter Hauge extend Bodø/Glimt’s advantage to 3-0, leaving City in a precarious position. A brief glimmer of hope appeared when Ryan Cherki netted in the 48th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, the situation worsened for City when Rodri Hernández received a second yellow card in the 62nd minute, reducing them to ten men. From that point on, Guardiola’s side were unable to mount any meaningful comeback.
The final whistle triggered jubilant celebrations among Bodø/Glimt supporters, as the club secured its first-ever Champions League victory—remarkably, against a team that had been crowned English champions just two seasons ago.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Goalscorers | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodø/Glimt | 3 | Kasper Høgh (22’, 23’), Jens Petter Hauge (46’) | Dominant home performance |
| Manchester City | 1 | Ryan Cherki (48’) | Rodri sent off (62’), Haaland miss |
Bodø/Glimt’s historic triumph not only rewrites the club’s European record but also delivers a humbling evening for Manchester City, who had expected a comfortable visit to Norway but instead faced a night to remember—for the hosts.