The Opponent No One Wants: A Real Threat to Real Madrid
Bodø/Glimt Makes History in Europe: Defeats Atlético and Top Giants in an Unforgettable Week
Last night’s 2-1 victory at the Metropolitano sealed a historic week for Bodø/Glimt, who in just seven days achieved the unthinkable: defeating Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid to secure a shocking spot in the next round of the Champions League.
In Norway, there’s no doubt how to describe the achievement. Words like “feat,” “miracle,” and “the greatest achievement of all time” dominate Thursday’s headlines, highlighting the unstoppable rise of Norwegian football on the European stage.
The Team That Made the Impossible Possible
“The team that made the impossible understandable,” ran the headline in Avisa Nordland, summarizing an extraordinary streak: 7 points from the last 9 available, including a draw in Dortmund and victories over two European powerhouses—results that just a month ago seemed unattainable.
“It feels unreal. For us, this is the best result in our history,” said captain Patrick Berg to TV2, emphasizing the massive support of fans who traveled to Madrid.
Knutsen Breaks a Myth and Makes History on the Road
Coach Kjetil Knutsen, visibly emotional, described the Metropolitano win as the most important of all, noting that it was achieved away from the artificial turf of Aspmyra, a psychological barrier the team needed to overcome.
“Winning away changes everything. From now on, I won’t have to answer whether natural or artificial turf makes a difference,” Knutsen explained.
Pride, Humility, and National Recognition
Star player Jens Petter Hauge stayed grounded despite calling the qualification “crazy”:
“Maybe it wasn’t our best game, but we won because we fought for each other.”
The impact of the victory reached the highest levels, with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre celebrating on social media: “A dream Bodø/Glimt! Wins in Madrid and advances in the Champions League.”
A Small Club With Giant Ambitions
This marks only the second time a Norwegian club has won away in Spain in the Champions League, a feat not achieved since 2007. For a team from a city of 54,000 inhabitants, it’s monumental.
Under Knutsen, Bodø/Glimt has won four league titles, reached Europa League semifinals, Conference League quarterfinals, and now boasts its best-ever Champions League performance—despite the Norwegian league ending in November and months without official matches.
This achievement proves that Bodø/Glimt is no longer a surprise, but a reality that Europe is starting to respect… and maybe fear.
Real Madrid will learn its Champions League playoff opponent this Friday: Bodø/Glimt or Benfica
Real Madrid will find out this Friday, January 30, who their next opponent will be in the playoff round prior to the Champions League Round of 16. The draw will take place in Nyon, Switzerland, at 6:00 a.m. ET (12:00 p.m. in Spain).
The Spanish giants, now led by Álvaro Arbeloa, will face one of two possible opponents: Bodø/Glimt or Benfica. The first leg will be played away from home on February 17 or 18, with the return leg scheduled for February 24 or 25 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Bodø/Glimt
The Norwegian side finished the league phase in 23rd place with nine points, recording two wins, three draws, and three losses. Their most notable victories came against Manchester City (3–1) on matchday seven and Atlético Madrid (2–1) on the final matchday—results that secured their place in the playoffs.
Benfica
Meanwhile, Benfica were the last team to qualify for the playoff round, ending in 24th place with nine points, despite suffering five defeats. The Portuguese club earned wins over Fenerbahçe, Napoli, and Real Madrid, the latter in a painful 4–2 loss in Lisbon that pushed Los Blancos out of the Top 8.
The draw will determine whether Real Madrid gets an immediate rematch against Benfica or faces a demanding trip to Norway, in a tie where there is no room for error in the Champions League.
