In 2010, when Inter Milan achieved a historic treble under coach Jose Mourinho, Bodø/Glimt was languishing in sixth place in the Norwegian second division and on the verge of bankruptcy. This comparison highlights the gap in class and history between the two teams.
Bodø/Glimt is located in a town so small that its entire population of 40,000 sits nestled within Inter Milan's 75,000-seat San Siro stadium. But their 5-2 aggregate victory over Inter was no fluke. Bodø/Glimt thrashed Inter in the first leg (winning 3-1) in Norway and went on to win 2-1 in the second leg.
This was Bodø/Glimt's first season in the Champions League group stage, and they were naturally considered underdogs. They struggled, finishing 32nd after six winless group stage matches, but then a miracle happened. Bodø/Glimt successively defeated Manchester City and Atletico Madrid to secure a playoff spot, before eliminating Inter Milan.
Having narrowly avoided bankruptcy and relegation in 2017, Bodø/Glimt have dominated Norwegian football since their return, winning championships in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. They began to take notice of Europe after their 6-1 victory over Roma in the 2021 Conference League, reaching the semi-finals of the 2025 Europa League, and now shaking up the Champions League.
Even more surprisingly, Bodø/Glimt are competing in European competitions while on... leave, as the Norwegian league ended last November.
The special formula for success
Bodø/Glimt's success didn't come from oil tycoons. Coach Knutsen's high-intensity pressing football philosophy was built on a unique scouting strategy. Instead of buying stars, they sought out unknown players with exceptional qualities.
Then, the coaching staff will mold and build the playing style to optimize it. Winger Jens Petter Hauge – who moved to AC Milan and then returned to Glimt – is the clearest example of this.
Furthermore, Bodø/Glimt's weapon lies in the psychological aspect. They hired Bjorn Mannsverk, a former fighter pilot, as their mental coach. Mannsverk applied aviation safety principles to football with the concept of the "circle".
Whenever they concede a goal, the players immediately gather in a circle on the pitch to quickly discuss the goal. "Accepting and sharing mistakes so as not to be afraid is mandatory," Mannsverk explained.
The club's culture is built on humility, close ties with the local community, and simple traditions. A prime example is the image of fans carrying yellow toothbrushes (a symbol from the 1970s) to cheer on their team.
Bodø/Glimt's next opponent in the round of 16 will be either Sporting or Man City. Whatever the outcome, they have created one of the most extraordinary feats in Champions League history.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ky-tich-doi-bong-ti-hon-mien-cuc-bac-20260226112044716.htm
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