Bodoe/Glimt vs Inter: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 18 February 2026
The first leg of the 2025/26 Champions League play-off round will take place on Wednesday, February 18th, at the Aspmyra Stadium, where Norwegian side Bodoe/Glimt will host Italian giants Inter. For the hosts, this is a historic debut in the knockout stages of Europe's premier club competition, while the Milanese are looking to replicate last season’s success. Here’s my match prediction, based on the current form of both teams and the unique conditions surrounding this encounter.
Match preview
Bodoe/Glimt have been the main disruptors in this European campaign. The Norwegians pulled off true heroics at the end of January, beating Manchester City (3-1) and Atletico Madrid (2-1), which propelled them to 23rd place overall. Head coach Kjetil Knutsen has once again proven that his system works even against the giants, especially on their home artificial turf inside the Arctic Circle.
However, coming into this clash with the Milan side, the "Yellow-Blacks" are lacking match rhythm—the Norwegian league has yet to kick off, and in recent weeks the team has had to settle for friendlies and just two Champions League games. Still, the hosts have almost no squad issues: attacking leaders Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Høgh are ready to press the Italians’ defense from the first minute. Bodoe will rely on rapid transitions from defense to attack and the unique climate, which the visitors are certainly not used to.
Inter, under Christian Chivu, are in peak form, leading Serie A by eight points. This weekend, the Nerazzurri claimed a crucial psychological victory in the Derby d’Italia over Juventus (3-2), reinforcing their status as one of the top contenders for European silverware—even if some refereeing decisions favored Inter in that match. The Milan side finished the Champions League group stage in 10th, showing exemplary defensive organization and clinical finishing under Chivu.
Despite a grueling schedule (12 matches in the last six weeks), Inter have almost no new injuries: only Denzel Dumfries remains unavailable. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to return to the starting lineup in midfield, adding experience alongside Barella and Çalhanoğlu. Chivu is likely to opt for pragmatic tactics, aiming to neutralize the home side’s speed advantage and take the tie back to San Siro for the decider.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Bodoe/Glimt are unbeaten in four official matches in a row.
- Bodoe/Glimt have won six of their last eight official matches.
- Inter are on a six-match winning streak.
- Over 2 goals have been scored in five of Inter’s last seven games.
- These teams have never met before in an official match.
Probable lineups
- Bodoe/Glimt: Haikin – Sjøvold, Bjørtuft, Gundersen, André Bjørkan – Berg, Evjen, Fet – Didrik Blomberg, Petter Hauge, Høgh
- Inter: Sommer – Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni – Henrique, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco – Martínez, Thuram
Prediction
Despite their favorite status, Inter will face a real challenge on Aspmyra’s unique pitch against an extremely motivated opponent. Bodoe’s impressive home record and Inter’s attacking power promise a tense battle, where the visitors’ discipline will be tested by the hosts’ momentum. Therefore, I don’t expect a goal-fest—my prediction is under 3 goals.
