Bodø/Glimt have made history, reaching the UEFA Champions League round of 16 for the first time after holding off a determined Inter comeback. The Norwegian side’s stunning run saw Jens Petter Hauge and Håkon Evjen secure a 2-1 win in Milan, completing a 5-2 aggregate triumph over the three-time European champions. Inter pushed hard late on, with Alessandro Bastoni scoring, but Bodø/Glimt held firm to claim a memorable victory. Player of the Match: Jens Petter Hauge.
Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid cruised past Club Brugge 4-1, winning 7-4 on aggregate. Alexander Sørloth was the star, bagging a hat-trick with goals in the 23rd and 76th minutes and a composed finish from Matteo Ruggeri’s cross. Club Brugge’s Joel Ordoñez and Johnny Cardoso scored, but Atleti controlled the game comfortably. Player of the Match: Alexander Sørloth.
Bayer Leverkusen secured a 0-0 draw against Olympiacos at the BayArena, advancing 2-0 on aggregate. The German side kept their fifth clean sheet in seven Champions League matches, with Janis Blaswich making key saves and substitute Ernest Poku hitting the crossbar. Player of the Match: Alejandro Grimaldo.
Newcastle United also booked their place in the last 16 after defeating Qarabağ 3-2, wrapping up a 9-3 aggregate win. Sandro Tonali and Joelinton put the Magpies ahead quickly, with a flurry of goals in the second half keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Player of the Match: Sandro Tonali.
The eight top seeds from the league phase,Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern München, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Sporting CP, and Tottenham, join the knockout phase play-off winners: Atlético, Bodø/Glimt, Leverkusen, Newcastle, plus four teams yet to be decided. The draw for the round of 16 and beyond will take place this Friday.
