What is the secret behind Bodo Glimt’s modern-day fairy tale in the Champions League?

ChampionChatter

26/02/2026 16:58:00 ChampionChatter

Having beaten both Atletico Madrid and Man City, and most recently knocking out last season’s Champions League finalists Inter Milan to secure a spot in this season’s round of 16, Bodo Glimt is writing a contemporary fairy tale.

From Norway’s second division to the Champions League round of 16

Over 16,000 km from San Siro, while Brisbane city was still shrouded in early morning mist, a former captain of Bodo/Glimt woke up at 5:45 am to follow his old teammates making history in the UEFA Champions League.

The Norwegian club, once seen as a "giant challenger," is now the focus of European football after eliminating Italian giants Inter Milan with a 5-2 aggregate score over two legs, earning their place in this season’s Champions League round of 16. Their reward will be a clash against one of the two giants, Chelsea or Barcelona.

Brisbane Roar’s newcomer, Marius Lode, who made 193 appearances for Bodo/Glimt over two spells, played a key role in this magical journey before leaving the club in 2024. Watching their success from afar, the Norwegian defender couldn’t hide his emotions.

Bodo Glimt celebrating after defeating Inter Milan 5-2 on aggregate to secure a place in this season’s Champions League round of 16

"It really has been an unbelievable journey. And the crazy thing is, when you’ve been part of it… it feels almost inevitable because they came very close to this milestone in so many matches," Lode told football360.com.au.

He recalled the disappointment last season when Bodo/Glimt lost to Tottenham at home and were knocked out in the Europa League semi-finals. "Now they are playing in the Champions League… It’s unbelievable.

"Right now, all I feel is happiness for the boys and everyone at the club. It’s a small organization that has grown year by year. This is a family club. To have been part of this journey and now see them traveling around as ‘giant killers’… it’s truly incredible."

When Lode joined Bodo in 2017, the team was still competing in Norway’s second division. Considering their current status in Europe, this represents an extraordinary leap.

"It’s crazy to think back on how everything unfolded," he recalled. "I arrived in 2017 when the team was in the second division. We had a great season and earned promotion.

"But in 2018, we struggled to avoid relegation. The current coach was then an assistant, and it was his first season as head coach. We were on the brink of relegation, with meetings held with the players’ union because many were unhappy with the results and wanted him fired.

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