Manchester City were left stunned as their miserable 2026 continued after Bodo/Glimt produced a scintillating attacking performance to secure a shock 3-1 Champions League victory.
Pep Guardiola would have seen the trip to Norway as the perfect chance to respond following their defeat in the Manchester derby at the weekend, but City’s underwhelming run of form continued against Bodo/Glimt to leave their hopes of avoiding the Champions League play-off round in a precarious position.
The Norwegians, who secured a first win against English opposition in European competitions, cut through Man City’s makeshift defence with ease as Kasper Hogh scored twice (22 and 24) in just under two minutes, both after mistakes from defender Max Alleyne, to stun the Premier League side.
Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh celebrates scoring his first goal against Man City in the Champions League group game
City, who were without 11 senior players through either illness, injury, suspension or ineligibility, saw their problems continue after the break as Jens Petter Hauge’s stunner extended the advantage for the hosts.
The manner in which Bodo repeatedly troubled City on the break was alarming as they threatened to add to their score. Hakon Evjen had a goal disallowed before Hogh was denied a hat-trick by the offside flag. Hauge also rattled the crossbar with another long-range effort as City looked wide open.
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is left staring at the ground after Bodo/Glimt extended their lead. (Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via AP)
Rayan Cherki did pull a goal back for City, but their problems went from bad to worse as captain for the night Rodri was sent off after picking up two bookings in just 53 seconds.
It proved to be a difficult night for City, who had already secured a spot in the knockout round play-offs, with the players looking dejected as the scoreline flattered them.
The defeat piled on the misery for City after their derby loss to Manchester United and it leaves their hopes of finishing in the top-eight of the league phase and avoiding a busy Ferbuary fixture schedule in the balance as they face a crunch clash against Galatasaray in their final match next week.
More to follow…