In a night that will be etched into European football folklore, Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt delivered one of the greatest Champions League upsets in history, defeating Serie A giants Inter Milan 2-1 at the San Siro to seal a 5-2 aggregate victory. While the Nerazzurri crashed out in stunning fashion, there was jubilation for American fans as USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso scored a crucial screamer to help Atletico Madrid overcome Club Brugge and book their place in the Round of 16.

San Siro Shocker: How Bodø/Glimt Dismantled Inter Milan

Few gave Kjetil Knutsen’s side a chance arriving in Milan, even with a 3-1 lead from the first leg in the Arctic Circle. Yet, Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan defied all logic as the Norwegian champions not only held their ground but outplayed last year’s finalists on their own turf.

Inter, missing captain Lautaro Martínez through injury, dominated early possession but lacked a cutting edge. The tie turned decisively in the 58th minute when a rare defensive error from Manuel Akanji gifted possession to Jens Petter Hauge. The winger, who has been in sensational form, made no mistake, burying a finish past the keeper to silence the Curva Nord.

Desperation set in for the hosts, leaving gaps that Bodø/Glimt ruthlessly exploited. In the 72nd minute, Hakon Evjen doubled the lead with a clinical volley, effectively ending the contest. Although Alessandro Bastoni clawed one back for Inter in the 76th minute, it was a mere consolation. The 5-2 aggregate scoreline sends Bodø/Glimt through as the first Norwegian team to ever win a Champions League knockout tie, a historic achievement for the club.

Johnny Cardoso Scores Stunner in Atletico Madrid Rout

While the drama unfolded in Italy, the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid witnessed its own thriller. Atletico Madrid entered the second leg against Club Brugge tied 3-3 on aggregate, but they emerged with a commanding 4-1 victory (7-4 aggregate) to advance.

The spotlight, however, fell on Johnny Cardoso. With the score tied 1-1 on the night and the tie finely balanced, the American midfielder stepped up in the 48th minute. Latching onto a clearance at the edge of the box, Cardoso unleashed a stunning half-volley that tore into the top corner, restoring Atletico’s lead and breaking Brugge’s resistance. It was a moment of individual brilliance that underscored his growing importance to Diego Simeone’s side since his $35 million move from Real Betis last summer.

Although Alexander Sørloth grabbed the headlines with a magnificent hat-trick (23’, 72’, 87’), Cardoso’s strike was the pivot point of the match. "It was about taking responsibility," Cardoso said post-match. "We knew we had the quality, we just needed that moment to spark us."

USMNT Players in Europe: A Huge Night Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Cardoso’s performance adds to a growing wave of momentum for USMNT players in Europe as the 2026 World Cup on home soil approaches. His ability to control the midfield tempo and contribute decisive goals in high-stakes Champions League results 2026 matches will be music to the ears of the national team coaching staff.

With other Americans also featuring in knockout rounds, Cardoso’s leadership at a club of Atletico’s stature solidifies his case for a starting spot in the national team's midfield engine room.

What These Results Mean for the Round of 16

The exit of Inter Milan blows the tournament wide open. As one of the pre-tournament favorites, their elimination by Bodø/Glimt is a stark reminder of the competition's unpredictability. The Norwegians now enter Friday’s draw as the dark horse everyone will want to avoid—or perhaps draw, at their own peril.

For Atletico Madrid, the emphatic nature of their win, driven by Sørloth’s finishing and Cardoso’s grit, suggests they are peaking at the right time. Both teams now await their destiny in the Bodø/Glimt Round of 16 draw, dreaming of a path to the final in Munich.