Berlin, 25 February 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Bodø/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen was keen to spread the praise after his side deservedly beat last season's runners-up Inter home and away to power into the Champions League last 16.

A 2-1 victory in Milan on Tuesday followed a 3-1 win in Norway as the football fable became a veritable fairytale. Manchester City or Sporting await in the next round following Friday's draw.

Bodø had already seen off City and Atletico Madrid in the league phase and reached the Europa League semi-finals last term.

Inter could not cope with the cold of the Arctic Circle or the plastic pitch last Wednesday in the play-off first leg. But they have no excuses for being picked apart by the tournament debutants at their own San Siro.

"This has been quite a journey," Knutsen told TV2. "We are a large group of people who have been part of this journey. There are so many people behind this who believe so strongly in the project."

Former AC Milan forward Jens Petter Hauge knew his surroundings and took advantage of poor defending to score the second-half opener.

The 26-year-old, who began his career at hometown club Bodø before coming back after a European odyssey, set up Håkon Evjen for 2-0 before Alessandro Bastoni's consolation.

"I am happy to play for Bodø/Glimt," Hauge told Sky Sport. "It's a great project. We are humble and proud. It was a fantastic evening, and we're proud of what we're achieving."

Captain Patrick Berg added: "This is the greatest thing I've experienced in my career."

Compatriots Rosenborg reached the quarter-finals when there was no last 16 in 1996-97 but Europe's top club competition is very different these days with the mega-rich clubs usually profiting.

Bodø has a population of just over 40,000, the northernmost town ever in the Champions League. They were just too good for three-times European champions and runaway Serie A leaders Inter.

Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella said: "We tried, but they were better than us."

It was a night for Norwegians on Tuesday as Atletico forward Alexander Sørloth scored a hat-trick as his side also progressed.

Photo: EPA