Bodo/Glimt simply carry on defying the chances.
The Norwegian workforce, based mostly round 200 miles into the Arctic Circle, have cast a popularity for upsets, however on Tuesday night time in Milan they produced one of many greatest in Champions League historical past.
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Dealing with three-time winners Inter Milan – crushed by Paris St-Germain within the closing of this competitors simply over 9 months in the past – Bodo had a frightening job, even when they held a 3-1 lead from the primary leg.
But they rose to the event as soon as extra – identical to that they had accomplished in beating Manchester Metropolis and Atletico Madrid within the group section.
It was one other resolute and decided show in Italy to finish a house and away double over Cristian Chivu’s males, first to repel the quite a few first-half Inter assaults earlier than scoring twice to finally depart the Serie A leaders with an excessive amount of to do.
Winners 2-1 on the night time, Bodo’s 5-2 combination success secured their place within the Champions League final 16 for the primary time, the place they may face both Manchester Metropolis or Sporting.
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“It’s a historic second for Bodo and I believe additionally for Norwegian soccer,” stated boss Kjetil Knutsen.
Jens Petter Hauge was once more inspirational, scoring his sixth purpose within the competitors this season for the opener, earlier than organising Hakon Evjen’s pretty end for the second.
“It sounds not true, however we’re there, among the many final groups within the competitors,” added the ahead, who was again within the San Siro the place he had a two-year spell at AC Milan.
“It is going to be actually thrilling to see what the following two video games convey.”
The statistics behind good Bodo
Bodo/Glimt are the primary Norwegian facet to progress in a knockout-stage tie within the Champions League and the primary general within the European Cup since Lillestrom within the first spherical in 1987-88.
The Norwegians are the primary workforce from outdoors of Europe’s large 5 leagues to win 4 consecutive video games in a European Cup/Champions League marketing campaign in opposition to opponents from these leagues (England, Spain, Germany, Italy & France) since Ajax in 1971-72, who went on to win the European Cup that season.
Jens Petter Hauge has scored six objectives for Bodo/Glimt within the Champions League this season; essentially the most ever by a Norwegian participant for a Norwegian membership in a single version of the European Cup/Champions League.
From the Arctic Circle to San Siro success
Bodo/Glimt’s dwelling video games can typically be performed in harsh wintry circumstances [AFP via Getty Images]
This fairytale run to the knockouts may have felt unlikely for Bodo after failing to win their first six league section video games, that means they have been left needing outcomes in opposition to Manchester Metropolis and Atletico Madrid to qualify for the play-offs.
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And, in opposition to the chances, they offered them.
A 3-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s males introduced deserved consideration and acclaim, but it surely was no one-off as Bodo overcame Atleti 2-1 in Madrid to say a play-off spot.
Knutsen’s facet misplaced to Spurs within the Europa League semi-finals final season, having grow to be the primary Norwegian facet to succeed in the final 4 of a significant European competitors.
Key to their success has typically been their means to make their dwelling video games as powerful as doable.
Within the north of Norway, Bodo can typically be bitterly chilly, snowy and windy through the lengthy winter months, with temperatures deep into minus figures.
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The tough climate circumstances imply the workforce play on a man-made pitch product of plastic, one thing many sides used to enjoying on grass discover tough to cope with.
These features, coupled with the gamers’ dedication and powerful perception of their means, means many have left Bodo defeated.
They famously thrashed Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 at dwelling within the Europa Convention League 5 years in the past, whereas Celtic, Besiktas, Porto and Lazio have additionally been victims in recent times.
Manchester Metropolis will not relish one other assembly within the final 16 if they’re drawn collectively, with Bodo buoyant after proving they don’t have anything to worry in opposition to Europe’s prime sides.
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“It is wonderful,” captain Patrick Berg instructed Canal+.
“For the membership and metropolis it is unbelievable. I do not suppose folks thought we might beat Manchester Metropolis, Atletico and now Inter two occasions.
“It is magnificent.”
‘If we will do it, then everybody can do it’
[AFP via Getty Images]
It is a step into the unknown for Bodo as they put together to play within the knockout stage of the Champions League for the primary time.
However their run to the Europa League semis within the earlier marketing campaign will give them perception – and supply hope to each small membership of what can nonetheless be achieved in Uefa’s main competitions.
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And, for nonetheless lengthy this journey continues, they are going to be backed by the now acquainted sight of their vocal followers, who have been unmissable on the San Siro decked out all in yellow and with scarves held within the air.
“I’m so proud, we’re a workforce from a small city,” added Knutsen.
“I actually hope we present if we will do it, then everybody can do it. For me that is essentially the most stunning factor of the entire story.”