Bodo/Glimt (foto: Getty Images)
Norwegian champions beat Inter 3-1 in the playoff first leg and now travel to Milan with a dream advantage as last season’s finalists face serious elimination danger.
Bodo/Glimt produced one of the biggest surprises of the European season and defeated Inter 3-1 in the first leg of the Champions League playoff.
The Norwegian champions, whose squad value is estimated at around €60 million, outplayed last season’s finalists, whose roster is worth more than €650 million. The difference in reputation did not matter on the pitch.
The hosts started boldly and were rewarded early when Sondre Fet opened the scoring. Inter responded in the 30th minute through Pio Esposito, who equalised and briefly calmed the Italian side.
However, the balance lasted only a short time.
Jens Petter Hauge restored the lead with a precise finish, and just three minutes later Kasper Hogh struck again after a fast transition attack. Inter never recovered from that double blow.
The Italians tried to push forward after the break, but they struggled to create clear chances and looked uncomfortable on the artificial pitch and in freezing conditions.
Cristiano Chivu now faces a huge task before the return leg at Giuseppe Meazza. Inter must win by at least two goals to stay alive in the competition.
Bodo/Glimt built their European reputation on strong home performances and once again proved how difficult it is to play in northern Norway. The real question now is whether they can survive the away match, traditionally their weaker side.
The Norwegian side stands on the edge of a historic qualification, while Inter suddenly faces one of the biggest embarrassments of their recent European history.