Bodø/Glimt Shock Manchester City 3–1 in Arctic Champions League Upset

Norway’s top-flight side Bodø/Glimt produced one of the most remarkable results in their European history, stunning Manchester City 3–1 at the Aspmyra Stadion, just north of the Arctic Circle.

Facing Pep Guardiola’s six-time Premier League champions and Champions League winners, Bodø/Glimt delivered a fearless and disciplined performance in a game of huge significance for the club. The victory boosts the Norwegian champions’ qualification hopes, as the 26th-ranked side in the competition now travel to Madrid next week to face Atlético Madrid, knowing their destiny remains in their own hands.

It was a dominant display from the Norwegian outfit, as Kjetil Knutsen’s defensively compact approach paid immediate dividends. Two costly errors from Manchester City defender James Alleyne allowed Kasper Høgh to punish the visitors and establish a commanding two-goal cushion.

Despite Manchester City controlling 72% possession compared to Bodø/Glimt’s 28% in the opening 45 minutes, the hosts were exceptional in denying City any real penetration in the final third. Glimt’s resistance was reflected in the numbers, with City managing just one shot on target from seven attempts.

City’s best chance of the half came when 20-year-old Max Alleyne found himself unmarked in the box from a set-piece but misjudged his header, sending it wide. Shortly after, Rayan Cherki broke through the Glimt defence, only to fire straight at goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, who saved comfortably.

Before the interval, Erling Haaland missed a huge opportunity to reduce the deficit. Rising above Jostein Gundersen from Nico O’Reilly’s delivery, the striker’s header drifted narrowly wide of the left post, summing up a frustrating half for Guardiola’s side.

The tempo showed no signs of dropping after the restart. Bodø/Glimt continued to press aggressively from the front, refusing to allow City to progress through the thirds. Just four minutes into the second half, Håkon Evjen burst into the penalty area after a clever pass from Jens Hauge, striking first time before Gianluigi Donnarumma reacted sharply, sticking out a leg to keep City alive.

That proved only a temporary reprieve. Glimt’s relentless pressing was rewarded moments later when Ballon d’Or winner Rodri was dispossessed by Evjen in midfield.

The turnover sparked a devastating counter-attack, with Sondre Fet releasing Jens Hauge down the left. The winger drove inside, skipped past his marker and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner, leaving Donnarumma helpless and making it feel like game, set and match for the hosts.

Although Cherki pulled a goal back for City, Rodri’s night went from bad to worse. The midfielder was shown a second yellow card within a minute for a reckless pull on Ole Blomberg, compounding Pep Guardiola’s nightmare evening in Norway.

Man of the Match Jens Hauge nearly added a second of his own, rattling the crossbar with a long-range effort as a beaten Donnarumma could only watch. Moments later, Kasper Høgh was denied a deserved hat-trick for the second time by the offside flag after delicately chipping the goalkeeper.

Manchester City searched desperately for a route back into the contest, but Glimt’s collective togetherness, relentless work rate and defensive organisation made it almost impossible for the visitors to salvage even a point.

The final whistle confirmed Bodø/Glimt’s first ever victory against English opposition after five defeats in six meetings, their first win of the Champions League campaign, and a statement result on the European stage.

For Manchester City, the defeat leaves their qualification hopes in jeopardy. Guardiola’s side now face an imperative clash against Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium, where three points will be essential if they are to secure a top-eight finish.