Bodø/Glimt Stuns Atlético Madrid in Historic Champions League Upset
In a result that will reverberate throughout European football, Bodø/Glimt achieved the seemingly impossible on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, defeating Atlético Madrid 2-1 at the notoriously challenging Metropolitano stadium in Madrid. The victory marks a watershed moment for the Norwegian club and sends shockwaves through the Champions League playoff picture.
The improbable win, secured after a nerve-wracking contest that extended into overtime, has left players and fans alike struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the achievement. “It’s like you have to pinch your arm and wonder if it’s time for you to wake up from a good dream,” remarked the Glimt coach, Kjetil Knutsen, at the post-match press conference. “Sometimes life is better than dreams.”
A Night of Firsts for the Norwegian Underdogs
Atlético Madrid entered the match with an unblemished home record this season, a fortress where victories were typically reserved for European giants like Barcelona. Bodø/Glimt, however, defied all expectations. Striker Kasper Høgh, currently linked with a potential move to Norwich in the English second tier, scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute, igniting scenes of jubilation amongst the traveling support and disbelief amongst the home faithful.
The win propels Bodø/Glimt into the Champions League playoff round, where they will face either Real Madrid or Inter. The draw for the playoff pairings will take place on Friday.
Champions League Landscape Shifts
The current Champions League standings reveal a competitive field, with the following teams already securing direct qualification to the round of 16:
- Arsenal
- Bayern Munich
- Liverpool
- Tottenham
- Barcelona
- Chelsea
- Sporting
- Manchester City
The playoff matchups are shaping up to be compelling, with several intriguing contests on the horizon:
- Real Madrid / Inter vs. Bodø/Glimt / Benfica
- Paris-Germain / Newcastle vs. Monaco / Qarabag
- Juventus / Atlético Madrid vs. Club Brugge / Galatasaray
- Atalanta / Bayer Leverkusen vs. Borussia Dortmund / Olympiakos
The playoff games will be played over two legs on February 17/18 and February 24/25, with the higher-seeded teams starting away.
A Moment Etched in Club History
The atmosphere at the Metropolitano was electric, initially favoring the home side. Despite an early surge from Bodø/Glimt, which saw several promising attacks in the opening minutes, Atlético Madrid took the lead through Alexander Sørloth, a former Glimt striker, in the 32nd minute. However, the Norwegian side responded swiftly, with Fredrik Sjøvold leveling the score before halftime.
“Huge disappointment, it’s a game we must win,” Sørloth conceded to TV 2 after the match.
The second half belonged to Bodø/Glimt, culminating in Høgh’s stunning goal that sent the Atlético supporters into stunned silence. The Glimt bench erupted in celebration, a testament to the team’s unwavering spirit and tactical brilliance.
Patrick Berg, a proud member of the Glimt squad, unequivocally stated that this victory represents the club’s greatest achievement in European competition. “Yes, without a doubt. To win away in such a stadium against a world-class team is something we have never done before,” he affirmed. When asked if this was the greatest achievement of a Norwegian team in Europe, Berg acknowledged the ongoing debate, adding, “Others are discussing it. The discussion is fun and you may never get an answer.”
Looking Ahead: Madrid or Milan?
Bodø/Glimt now awaits their playoff opponent, with the prospect of facing either Real Madrid or Inter looming large. Berg expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against either European powerhouse. “It goes very well with both. I enjoy both Milan and now Madrid. It will be king anyway.”
The match began under unusual conditions, with Madrid experiencing weather reminiscent of Bodø, Norway. However, by kickoff, the snow had melted, and the pitch was green, but the spirit of Bodø/Glimt remained undeterred. The team’s early attacking intent, exemplified by a near-miss from Håkon Evjen in the third minute, signaled their determination to make their mark on the game.
This historic victory is not just a triumph for Bodø/Glimt, but a testament to the growing competitiveness of Norwegian football on the European stage. It is a night that will be forever etched in the memories of Glimt fans and a story that will be retold for generations to come.
