Bodo/Glimt: “A historic moment” as the Norwegian team reached the round of 16 against all odds

This imaginary qualification to the knockout rounds seems unlikely for Bodo after losing his first six matches in the league stage, which means that he now needs to achieve good results against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid to qualify for the play-offs.

Despite the odds, they gave it to them.

The 3-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s men brought well-deserved attention and plaudits, but it was not a one-off as Bodo beat Atletico 2-1 in Madrid to secure a play-off place.

Knutsen’s team lost to Tottenham in the semi-finals of the Europa League last season, after becoming the first Norwegian team to reach the semi-finals in a major European competition.

The key to their success has often been their ability to make their home matches as difficult as possible.

In northern Norway, Bodø is often very cold, snowy and windy during the long winter months, with temperatures reaching sub-zero numbers.

Difficult weather conditions make the team play on an artificial field made of plastic, which is difficult for many teams that are accustomed to playing on grass to deal with.

These aspects, coupled with the players’ determination and strong belief in their abilities, meant that many of them left Budo defeated.

They thrashed Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 at home in the Europa League five years ago, while Celtic, Besiktas, Porto and Lazio have also been victims in recent years.

Manchester City will not enjoy another round of 16 encounter if they are drawn together, with Bodo thriving having proven he has nothing to fear against the best teams in Europe.

“It’s amazing,” Captain Patrick Berg told Canal+.

“For the club and the city, it’s unbelievable. I don’t think people thought we could beat Manchester City, Atletico and now Inter twice.

“It’s wonderful.”