Bodo/Glimt’s Shocking Triumph Over Manchester City
Bodo/Glimt pulled off a stunning 3-1 upset against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on January 20, 2026, at the Aspmyra Stadion. Their disciplined counters exposed City’s high line and their defensive frailties marking a pivotal league phase moment.
Match Essentials:
Kickoff hit at 17:45 GMT (22:15 IST) amid freezing Norwegian conditions.Bodo climbed the table with this shocking win, while City rotated squad members like Ait-Nouri in a bid for progression amid a week where they were outclassed by Manchester United in the Manchester Derby.
Key Highlights :
Høgh’s 12th-minute tap-in opened the scoring on a rapid break, followed by his 28th-minute header from Hauge’s cross amid City’s midfield lapses. Cherki’s 60th-minute curler sparked City’s rally, but Bodo’s set-piece third goal held firm despite City’s 65% possession and 8 shots on target.Tactical MasteryBodo’s 4-3-3 shifted to a compact low block, surrendering the ball to fuel vertical counters that targeted City’s full-backs Høgh and Hauge linked for 4 key passes. Berg’s high pressing nabbed 12 balls to sever Foden-Haaland connections, while City’s flank overloads yielded just 2 big chances against Bodo’s transition ruthlessness.
Rodri received a straight red card in Manchester City’s 3-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt on January 20, 2026, after accumulating two yellow cards just 54 seconds apart around the 62nd minute. The first booking came for a tactical foul amid City’s push after Cherki’s goal, with the second for dissent or a late challenge, leaving City down to 10 men. This rash moment derailed their comeback, amplifying Bodo’s control in the Champions League clash. Rodri, City’s captain and midfield anchor, trudged off in frustration, his absence now looming over their final group game against Galatasaray
Tactical Mastery:
Bodo’s 4-3-3 shifted to a compact low block, surrendering the ball to fuel vertical counters that targeted City’s full-backs Høgh and Hauge linked for 4 key passes in devastating transitions. Berg’s high pressing nabbed 12 balls to sever Foden-Haaland connections, while City’s flank overloads yielded just 2 big chances against Bodo’s transition ruthlessness. This pragmatic setup neutralized Guardiola’s possession blueprint, proving organization trumps talent in high-stakes clashes.
Standout Performers:
Kasper Høgh starred for Bodo/Glimt, netting a first-half brace with clinical finishing and dominating aerial duels at 100% success. His movement off the ball created constant threats, turning counters into goals
Jens Petter Hauge dazzled with a goal and two assists, his precise crosses slicing City’s defense. Speed and vision made him unplayable on the wing.
Rayan Cherki led Manchester City’s response, curling in a 60th-minute wondergoal and crafting three chances. His flair offered rare sparks in a flat attack.
Future Implications: This result signals Bodo/Glimt’s Champions League credentials, boosting morale for their final league phase clash where a win could secure knockout contention.
Whereas City were eyeing a victory after a poor showing at the Manchester Derby and also by possibly winning making the job easier for direct qualification in the later round of 16
For City, the loss exposes pressing frailties, pressuring them to dominate their last game against mid-table Galatasaray to clinch advancement. Expect Pep Guardiola tweaking his team and tactics heavily to win the game to try to achieve direct qualification.
Future Implications:
This result signals Bodo/Glimt’s Champions League credentials, boosting morale for their final league phase clash where a win could secure knockout contention. For City, the loss exposes pressing frailties, pressuring them to dominate their last game against a mid-table foe to clinch advancement. Expect Pep Guardiola tweaks targeting transitions, while Bodo eyes European scalps beyond this statement night, potentially reshaping Scandinavian football’s continental footprint.
