Bodø/Glimt stun Manchester City with a ruthless Champions League win on an Arctic pitch

Manchester City suffered one of the most shocking defeats of their Champions League era as Bodø/Glimt delivered a ruthless and unforgettable beating under the Arctic skies of northern Norway.

On a bitter night at the Aspmyra Stadion, City were dismantled 3-0 by the Norwegian champions, overwhelmed by intensity, precision and belief on an artificial surface that quickly became a stage for humiliation rather than excuses. What unfolded was not a narrow upset or a lucky ambush, but a decisive, muscular performance that exposed City’s fragility at a critical point in their season.

Bodø/Glimt struck twice before half-time through Kasper Høgh, whose finishing punished City’s defensive lapses with clinical calm. Each goal followed the same pattern: space carved down City’s left flank, a lifted cross into danger, and Høgh arriving with perfect timing. The first was a header from a tight angle. The second, moments before the interval, was delivered with composed authority, leaving City stunned and chasing shadows.

The third blow arrived after the break. Jens Petter Hauge curled a beautiful finish beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma, triggering scenes of delirium among the home supporters packed inside the 8,000-capacity stadium. The roar carried far beyond the ground, echoing through a town that witnessed one of the greatest nights in its footballing history.

Manchester City, European champions just three seasons ago, looked powerless. Possession meant little. Control never arrived. Even with stars across the pitch, Guardiola’s side failed to impose themselves, struggling to cope with Bodø/Glimt’s directness, organisation and hunger.

Guardiola did not hide his frustration afterwards. He admitted the feeling inside the squad was bleak, pointing to poor results in both domestic and European competition in 2026. He acknowledged that too many details were going wrong and said the team must change quickly, with little time before their next fixtures.

The defeat leaves City with 13 points in the Champions League league phase, their path to the last 16 now uncertain heading into the final match. For a club accustomed to control and dominance, the sense of vulnerability is growing. They have yet to record a Premier League win this calendar year, and this loss deepened the unease.

For Bodø/Glimt, the result was seismic. Less than a decade ago, the club were playing in Norway’s second tier. Now, they have taken down one of Europe’s giants. Their victory moves them to six points and keeps alive a remarkable dream of reaching the knockout stages.

Manager Kjetil Knutsen described the night as one that fans would remember for the rest of their lives. He praised his players for their collective effort and physical commitment, noting that celebrations would be brief as the club remains in pre-season.

The conditions offered no hiding place. At minus one degree Celsius, the temperature was considered mild by local standards, but the surface and environment added to City’s discomfort. Guardiola had dismissed concerns beforehand, but once the match began, Bodø/Glimt looked far more at home.

City had early chances, including opportunities for Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, but wastefulness and hesitation crept in. Bodø/Glimt showed no such mercy. They needed little possession to cause damage, striking with speed and conviction whenever City faltered.

As the final whistle blew, the contrast was stark. Bodø/Glimt stood defiant, disciplined and triumphant. Manchester City walked off battered, facing uncomfortable questions about form, focus and identity.

Under the aurora-lit sky, one truth became unavoidable: this was not just an upset. It was a statement.