Manchester City suffered one of the most humbling defeats in their recent European history after being beaten 3-1 by Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, a result that has raised serious questions about the reigning European giants’ current form.
On a freezing night in the Arctic Circle, City were outplayed, outworked, and outthought by a team playing in the Champions League group stage for the first time in their history, marking a landmark victory for Norwegian football.
The defeat followed a worrying run of domestic form, with City yet to register a Premier League win in 2026, compounding concerns that the setback may be more than a temporary dip.
Bodo/Glimt, a club based in a town of just over 50,000 people, executed a disciplined and fearless game plan. Happy to concede possession, they struck with speed and precision on the counter-attack, exploiting City’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Just a decade ago, the Norwegian side were competing in the country’s second division. Since then, they have risen rapidly, winning multiple league titles and now claiming a famous Champions League victory over a club that lifted the trophy only three years ago.
Despite having not played competitive football for several weeks, Bodo/Glimt looked sharper and more cohesive, while City appeared sluggish and overwhelmed by the conditions.
Pep Guardiola arrived in Norway with a depleted squad, missing eight injured players, a suspended captain, and a key new signing who was ineligible for the group stage. The situation forced Guardiola to field the youngest Champions League starting XI in the club’s history.
Several young players were thrust into the spotlight, and the lack of experience showed. Defensive errors proved costly, with City conceding early goals that set the tone for the evening.
Guardiola admitted that the team’s momentum from late 2025 has evaporated, describing the current spell as a period where “everything is going wrong.” He stressed the need to quickly change the team’s dynamic ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
Adding to the concern is the form of star striker Erling Haaland, who failed to score against his former club and has now gone several matches without a goal from open play.
Disciplinary issues also surfaced, with a key midfielder sent off after receiving two quick yellow cards, effectively ending City’s hopes of mounting a comeback.
While Guardiola insists the squad remains strong, the combination of injuries, fatigue, loss of confidence, and mounting pressure has created an uneasy atmosphere around the club.
With critical matches looming in both domestic and European competitions, City must respond swiftly to avoid slipping into deeper trouble. The defeat in Bodo may be remembered as a one-off shock — or as the moment when deeper issues were exposed.
