Following a 1-3 loss in Norway in the first leg last week, Inter needed to win by at least two goals. However, Bodo/Glimt once again caused an upset by taking a 2-0 lead in Italy. The current runner-up could only pull one goal back through Alessandro Bastoni in the 76th minute.
Inter dominated the first half, with Pio Esposito, Federico Dimarco, and Marcus Thuram creating continuous pressure on Bodo/Glimt's goal. Crucially, the visitors held firm for the initial 15 minutes. Subsequently, Inter's intensity waned, forcing them to ease off.
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Hauge (in yellow) celebrates the opening goal during Inter's 1-2 loss to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League play-off second leg on 24/2. Photo: AFP. |
The match's turning point arrived in the 58th minute. Following Manuel Akanji's loss of possession and Ole Blomberg's shot, which goalkeeper Yann Sommer parried, Jens Hauge struck the rebound to give Bodo/Glimt the opening goal.
Needing at least three goals, Inter pushed forward. However, before the hosts could respond, Bodo/Glimt delivered another stunning blow. In the 72nd minute, Hauge delivered a diagonal cross from the right wing, beating the offside trap. Hakon Evjen then surged forward, controlled the ball with his left foot, and fired a diagonal shot with his right, doubling their advantage.
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Evjen (in yellow) celebrates the goal that doubled Bodo/Glimt's lead during Inter's 1-2 loss in the Champions League play-off second leg on 24/2. Photo: AFP. |
Inter's remaining efforts only yielded one consolation goal in the 76th minute. Following an off-target shot from a teammate, Alessandro Bastoni headed in the rebound from close range, guiding the ball over the line. Despite goalkeeper Nikita Khaikin pushing it out, the referee confirmed the goal.
The 2-5 aggregate defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the play-off round represents a significant shock for Inter. Less than a year ago, the club proudly reached the final for the second time in three seasons under former coach Simone Inzaghi.
The second leg victory marked Bodo/Glimt's fourth consecutive win in the Champions League. This impressive run included group stage triumphs over Man City (3-1) and Atletico (2-1), as well as their 3-1 first-leg victory against Inter. In the round of 16, the Norwegian side could potentially face Sporting or another encounter with Man City.
*Thanh Quy*
