This fairytale run to the knockouts may have felt unlikely for Bodo after failing to win their first six league part video games, that means they have been left needing outcomes against Manchester City and (*16*) Madrid to qualify for the play-offs.
And, against the odds, they supplied them.
A 3-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s males introduced deserved consideration and acclaim, nevertheless it was no one-off as Bodo overcame Atleti 2-1 in Madrid to say a play-off spot.
Knutsen’s side misplaced to Spurs within the Europa League semi-finals last season, having turn into the primary Norwegian side to reach the last 4 of a serious European competitors.
Key to their success has typically been their potential to make their house video games as powerful as attainable.
In the north of Norway, Bodo can typically be bitterly chilly, snowy and windy in the course of the lengthy winter months, with temperatures deep into minus figures.
The tough climate circumstances imply the group play on a man-made pitch made from plastic, one thing many sides used to enjoying on grass discover tough to take care of.
Those features, coupled with the gamers’ willpower and powerful perception of their potential, means many have left Bodo defeated.
They famously thrashed Jose Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 at house within the Europa Conference League 5 years in the past, whereas Celtic, Besiktas, Porto and Lazio have additionally been victims lately.
Manchester City will not relish one other assembly within the last 16 if they’re drawn collectively, with Bodo buoyant after proving they don’t have anything to worry against Europe’s high sides.
“It’s amazing,” captain Patrick Berg instructed Canal+.
“For the club and city it’s unbelievable. I don’t think people thought we could beat Manchester City, Atletico and now Inter two times.
“It’s magnificent.”
