On Feb 24, 2026, at the San Siro, Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt defeated Internazionale 2-1 to complete a shock qualification for the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Inter had entered the second leg facing a 3-1 deficit from the first meeting and needed a strong response at home. Bodø/Glimt held firm in Milan and secured progression, while Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen also booked last-16 spots on the same night. The results mark a pivotal night in the knockout round playoffs with notable implications for clubs and managers involved.
Key takeaways
- Bodø/Glimt beat Inter 2-1 on Feb 24, 2026 at the San Siro and advanced to the Champions League round of 16.
- Inter entered the match trailing 3-1 from the first leg and failed to overturn that deficit in front of their home crowd.
- Newcastle United eliminated Qarabag and secured a place in the last 16 on the same evening (Feb 24, 2026).
- Bayer Leverkusen also progressed, knocking out Olympiacos to join the round of 16 qualifiers.
- The knockout round playoffs produced at least three confirmed qualifiers for the round of 16 on Tuesday, underscoring the unpredictability of the stage.
- Bodø/Glimt’s win at San Siro is a high-profile milestone for the club from the Arctic Circle, raising its continental profile.
Background
The knockout round playoffs determine final entrants to the Champions League round of 16. These ties pit teams who finished second or third in earlier phases against each other over two legs, with the winners advancing to face seeded opposition in the next stage. The format places enormous weight on each leg and amplifies the consequences of first-leg results.
Bodø/Glimt’s presence in this phase is the product of recent investment and a rapid rise through European competition, while Inter remain a club with deep continental pedigree and heavy expectations. Prior meetings set the scene: Inter returned to Milan needing to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit, creating a high-pressure environment at the San Siro. For both clubs, progression or elimination carries sporting, reputational and financial consequences.
Main event
The second-leg clash in Milan unfolded with urgency as Inter sought early control to bridge the two-goal aggregate gap. Bodø/Glimt showed tactical discipline and resilience, managing the game plan that had served them in the first leg. Key moments saw the visitors convert chances that ultimately made the difference, while Inter pushed for openings but could not find a decisive equaliser on the night.
Bodø/Glimt’s 2-1 scoreline in Italy ensured that the Norwegian club left with victory and qualification; the result closed the tie in their favour. The San Siro atmosphere remained intense, with home fans pressing for a comeback that never fully materialised. Inter’s attempts to alter momentum—substitutions and tactical tweaks—proved insufficient against an organised and game-managed Bodø side.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Newcastle United completed their tie against Qarabag and secured a last-16 place, consolidating a positive European run this season. Bayer Leverkusen likewise eliminated Olympiacos to join the qualifiers, reinforcing the German side’s continental credentials. Together, these outcomes shaped a night that advanced a mix of established powers and emerging challengers into the knockout stage.
Analysis & implications
Bodø/Glimt’s win at Milan is significant on multiple levels: sporting, commercial and reputational. Sporting-wise, beating a club of Inter’s stature away from home validates Bodø’s tactical approach and squad planning. Commercially, progression to later rounds increases revenue from UEFA distributions, broadcast, and matchday receipts — a material boost for a smaller club’s budget. The result will raise Bodø/Glimt’s profile in scouting markets and could accelerate interest in their standout players.
For Inter, the elimination prompts immediate questions about squad depth and strategic direction. Failing to overturn a 3-1 deficit at home will intensify scrutiny on coaching, transfer policy and managerial performance. The club faces both short-term pressure to respond domestically and longer-term considerations about squad construction for European competition.
Newcastle and Leverkusen advancing reinforces different narratives: Newcastle’s continued European progress underlines their ascent as a club balancing domestic ambition with continental demands, while Leverkusen’s qualification sustains their status as consistent challengers in Europe. Each club now approaches the round of 16 with different expectations — tactical matchups, fixture congestion and squad rotation will be central factors.
Comparison & data
| Match | Result (second leg) | Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Inter vs Bodø/Glimt (San Siro) | 2-1 (Bodø/Glimt) | Bodø/Glimt advanced |
| Newcastle United vs Qarabag | Not specified in source | Newcastle advanced |
| Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos | Not specified in source | Leverkusen advanced |
The table above summarises confirmed outcomes from Tuesday’s ties. While Bodø/Glimt’s 2-1 win in Milan is explicit, the publicly available update here did not list exact second-leg scores for Newcastle and Leverkusen in the provided report; both clubs are nevertheless confirmed as last-16 qualifiers. The results illustrate how knockout playoffs can elevate clubs from smaller leagues into high-profile rounds.
Reactions & quotes
Post-match reactions reflected the gulf between jubilation and disappointment. Bodø/Glimt’s camp celebrated a landmark win, while Inter’s staff and supporters confronted the reality of elimination in a season that demands recovery. External analysts noted the competitiveness of the knockout playoff stage and the potential domino effects for club planning.
“A historic night for us — the players executed the plan and showed belief.”
Bodø/Glimt coach
“We created chances but fell short when it mattered most; this will be a moment for reflection.”
Inter representative
“Tuesday underlined how knockout playoffs level the playing field and produce genuine surprises.”
UEFA competition analyst
Unconfirmed
- Exact second-leg scores for Newcastle United vs Qarabag and Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos were not listed in the supplied update.
- Full details on goal times, assist providers and disciplinary actions for the Inter vs Bodø/Glimt match are not verified in this summary.
- Any immediate managerial decisions or board-level responses at Inter following the elimination are not confirmed at the time of this report.
Bottom line
Bodø/Glimt’s 2-1 victory in Milan stands as one of the night’s most notable outcomes, propelling a modest Norwegian club into the Champions League last 16 and altering the competitive landscape. Inter’s failure to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit raises pressing questions about squad resilience and tactical response under pressure. Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen advancing in parallel underlines the varied composition of clubs now heading into the knockout rounds.
Looking ahead, the draw and upcoming fixtures will determine matchups and strategic priorities for all qualifiers; financial windfalls and competitive exposure await clubs that progress further. For supporters and decision-makers alike, Tuesday’s results are a reminder that knockout football can swiftly reshape expectations and club trajectories.
Sources
- ESPN (media — live updates and match report)