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Inter Milan Face Norwegian Underdogs in Champions League Clash

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 19:39 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: ITALY, NORWAY

Milan, Italy - February 25, 2026 - Tonight, San Siro will play host to a significant mismatch on paper as Italian giants Inter Milan welcome Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt for the first leg of their Champions League knockout round tie. While Inter are considered firm favorites, the story of Bodo/Glimt's improbable run to this stage demands respect, creating a compelling narrative for what promises to be an intriguing encounter.

The Context: An Unexpected Challenger

Bodo/Glimt's presence in the Champions League knockout stages is a remarkable achievement for a club hailing from a relatively small footballing nation. Their journey through the group stages was characterized by tactical discipline, relentless pressing, and a surprising ability to upset established European powerhouses. They've defied expectations at every turn, earning the right to test themselves against the best. This fixture represents a colossal step up in competition, however, pitching them against a side with a rich Champions League history and genuine title aspirations.

Inter Milan: A Resurgent Force

Inter Milan have been in exceptional form, demonstrating both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. Under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, they've built a cohesive and dynamic squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Their Serie A campaign has been strong, and they'll be determined to translate that domestic success onto the European stage. The pressure is firmly on Inter to deliver a convincing performance in front of their home crowd and establish a comfortable lead for the return leg.

Team News & Lineups

Inter are expected to field a strong starting eleven. Yann Sommer is the established number one in goal, with a solid defensive line featuring Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij and Matteo Darmian providing experience and resilience. The midfield boasts a blend of creativity and steel, with Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan dictating the tempo. Lautaro Martinez leads the attack, supported by the dynamic forward line of Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Thuram. Inzaghi has a wealth of options, providing tactical flexibility.

Bodo/Glimt will likely stick to their tried-and-tested approach, focusing on a compact defensive shape and quick transitions. Nikita Havik is expected to start in goal, shielded by a backline including Brice Nogueira and Herman Kongshaug. Their midfield, led by Ulrik Saltnes and Albert Sunde, will be crucial in winning the battle for possession. The attacking threat will rest on the shoulders of Masaya Okawa, Amahl Pellegrino, and Isak Tornberg - players who have proven capable of scoring against bigger teams.

Key Battles to Watch

The duel between Lautaro Martinez and Bodo/Glimt's central defenders will be pivotal. Martinez's clinical finishing and intelligent movement will pose a significant threat, and Bodo/Glimt will need to be at their absolute best to contain him. The midfield battle will also be crucial, with Inter looking to dominate possession and dictate the game's tempo. Bodo/Glimt's ability to disrupt Inter's passing rhythm and launch quick counter-attacks will be key to their chances of success.

Odds and Predictions

The bookmakers heavily favor Inter Milan, with odds of 1/6 for a home win. A draw is priced at 11/1, while a Bodo/Glimt victory is a distant 16/1. While an upset is not entirely out of the question, it's hard to see past an Inter win. Bodo/Glimt's defensive organization and work ethic will make it difficult for Inter, but the Italian side's superior quality and firepower are likely to prove decisive.

Bet Builder Opportunities

Several potential bet builder options stand out. Lautaro Martinez to score anytime at 6/5 appears a reasonable bet, given his current form. Over 2.5 goals at 4/7 is also a likely outcome, considering Inter's attacking prowess and Bodo/Glimt's willingness to commit players forward. A more ambitious bet could be Inter to win to nil at 2/1, although Bodo/Glimt are capable of finding the back of the net.

Conclusion

This Champions League tie represents a classic David versus Goliath encounter. While Bodo/Glimt deserve immense credit for reaching this stage, the gulf in quality and experience between the two sides is substantial. Inter Milan are expected to win comfortably, but Bodo/Glimt will undoubtedly put up a fight and will be hoping to carry a positive result back to Norway for the second leg. Expect a fascinating tactical battle, but ultimately, the Italian giants should progress to the next round.