Daijiworld Media Network - Norway
Norway, Feb 19: Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt produced a stunning performance on Wednesday night, defeating Inter Milan 3-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off tie.
The club from north of the Arctic Circle, who have won four of the last six domestic titles, showed no fear against the current Serie A leaders. Sondre Brunstad Fet opened the scoring in the 20th minute, sending the home fans into raptures.
Francesco Pio Esposito equalised for Inter on the half-hour mark, with the goal allowed to stand after a VAR review despite appeals for handball in the build-up. However, Bodo/Glimt regained control just after the hour when Kasper Hogh’s clever lay-off allowed Jens Petter Hauge to restore their lead, before Hogh added a third minutes later.
Inter — who were thrashed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League final — now face an uphill task in the return leg at San Siro. The winners of the tie will meet either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the last 16.
In Azerbaijan, Newcastle United all but sealed their passage to the next round with a resounding 6-1 victory over Qarabag FK at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku.
The outstanding performer was Anthony Gordon, who scored four goals, including two penalties. Gordon struck in the third minute and later completed his first professional hat-trick before halftime. He added a fourth from the spot in stoppage time, taking his tally to 10 goals in nine Champions League matches this season — bettered only by Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid, who has 13.
Malick Thiaw and Jacob Murphy were also on target for Newcastle, while Elvin Jafarguliyev netted a consolation for Qarabag. With the return leg at St James’ Park looming, manager Eddie Howe expressed satisfaction but urged caution.
“It’s a tribute to the team today. We were really good in the first half. That’s as good as we have played in a long time,” Howe said. “I know the tie isn’t over but we are in a great position.”
Newcastle will face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the last 16.
In Belgium, Atletico Madrid were held to a pulsating 3-3 draw by Club Brugge at the Jan Breydelstadion.
Julian Alvarez gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot, and Ademola Lookman doubled their advantage just before the break. However, Raphael Onyedika and Nicolo Tresoldi brought Brugge level in the second half.
An own goal by Joel Ordonez appeared to hand Atletico victory, but Christos Tzolis struck in the 89th minute to leave the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg.
“It was a rollercoaster, like it’s been all season. We have to concentrate more,” Atletico captain Koke said after the match.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen moved closer to the last 16 with a 2-0 away win over Olympiacos in Piraeus. Czech striker Patrik Schick scored twice in quick succession around the hour mark as Leverkusen avenged their earlier defeat at the same venue.
With several heavyweight ties finely balanced, next week’s second legs promise high drama as Europe’s elite battle for places in the Champions League last 16.