Kasper Hogh scored once and assisted in two other goals as Bodo/Glimt continued their remarkable debut UEFA Champions League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Inter Milan in the knockout play-off round
first leg on Wednesday.
The Norwegians edged into the knockout stage with surprising wins over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in their final two league-phase matches. Kjetil Knutsen’s team extended their impressive run by defeating last season’s runners-up, Inter.
Despite their struggles on the artificial pitch of the Aspmyra Stadion in northern Norway, Cristian Chivu’s Serie A leaders remain confident of overturning the tie in the second leg at the San Siro next Tuesday. Chivu acknowledged Bodo/Glimt’s familiarity with the pitch but refused to use it as an excuse, stating, “The tie is wide open, there’s the return leg to come. We knew they are a team that can hurt you on the break, now we’ll try to advance to the next round at San Siro.”
Inter’s situation worsened when captain Lautaro Martinez left the game with an injury in the second half, replaced by Marcus Thuram. Chivu commented, “I think he’s hurt and he will be out for a while.”
Bodo/Glimt, Europa League semi-finalists last term, have set themselves up for a potential surprise and a last-16 meeting with either Man City or Sporting Lisbon. The hosts took a 20th-minute lead with a well-executed team goal, finished by Sondre Brunstad Fet after he connected with Hogh’s clever flick inside the area.
However, Inter quickly responded as youngster Pio Esposito swivelled inside the box and scored on the half-hour mark, with the goal standing after a lengthy VAR review for handball. Inter almost took the lead just after the restart when Martinez’s close-range shot hit the post.
Bodo/Glimt regained the lead in the 61st minute, catching Inter short at the back. Jens Petter Hauge fired the ball into the roof of the net after being set up by Hogh. Just three minutes later, Patrick Berg’s pass put Ole Didrik Blomberg through on goal, and he squared it for Hogh to tap into an empty net.
Danish striker Hogh has now scored four goals in his last three Champions League appearances, following his double against Man City and the winner against Atletico. Despite Inter’s efforts to reduce the deficit, their closest opportunity came from Carlos Augusto’s blocked shot from eight yards out, with late pressure failing to yield further goals.
(With Inputs From Agencies)
