Bodø/Glimt is set to face Internazionale in a historic UEFA Champions League knockout stage tie, marking only the second such matchup between Norwegian and Italian teams. The last encounter between these two clubs took place in the 1978-79 Cup Winners’ Cup, where Internazionale triumphed with a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory.
As the stakes rise, this knockout stage will be particularly significant for Bodø/Glimt, who are looking to continue their impressive form in Europe. They concluded the league phase with two remarkable victories, defeating Manchester City 3-1 and Atlético Madrid 2-1. If they can secure a third consecutive win, they would become the first team from Norway to achieve this feat in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League.
Internazionale, coming off a history of strong performances in the knockout stages, has experienced only one loss in their last 15 knockout matches, excluding finals. Their recent track record includes two final defeats, underscoring their competitive edge.
Interestingly, Internazionale will be playing in Norway for the third time, with their last match dating back to 2002 against Rosenborg. This adds another layer of intrigue to their upcoming face-off with Bodø/Glimt, which poses a fresh challenge for both teams.
Statistically, Bodø/Glimt presents an interesting dynamic. While they struggled early in the competition with a negative expected goals differential, they turned the tide in the latter stages, recording a positive differential. Key players like Jens Petter Hauge have shone, leading the league phase in chances created and dribbles completed.
On the other hand, Lautaro Martínez continues to impress for Internazionale, with 25 UEFA Champions League goals to his name, putting him in elite company among Italian club scorers.
With both teams displaying strong performances and exciting players, the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter that could see history made for Bodø/Glimt or further established for Internazionale. The stage is set for a captivating clash that fans are eagerly anticipating.