The northern lights painted the evening sky over Aspmyra Stadium red and green when City arrived in Bodø, ninety kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.
The match initially turned out as expected, with ball dominance by visiting City alternating with chances for the home team. But the quality was on the Norwegians' side.
In the 22nd minute, Ole Didrik Blomberg ran through on the right wing. After charging into City's penalty area, he found Kasper Høgh, who headed in 1–0.
Just two minutes later, the Blomberg–Høgh combination struck again, following the same pattern. This time Høgh scored.
“The goal of the era”
The home team, who had failed to win any of their opening six group stage matches, extended their lead in the second half when Jens Petter Hauge feinted past Rodri and slotted the ball into the top corner.
"Jens scores the goal of the era," says Erling Haaland.
City's Rayan Cherki sparked hope when he pulled one back in the 60th minute, but just two minutes later it was extinguished when midfielder Rodri was sent off, and the match ended 3-1.
“Absolutely fantastic”
Fully deserved, Haaland admits afterwards.
"I'm not surprised. I've seen basically all their games in Europe for the last four, five years. It's not easy to get here. But we're City, we're going to win," he says.
The win was Bodø/Glimt's first in the Champions League group stage and their chance to advance to the round of 16 is still alive ahead of the final round, when they meet Atlético Madrid away.
"What we are doing today is absolutely fantastic," Jens Petter Hauge tells TV2.
City had already secured qualification before the match, but whether they take one of the direct places to the round of 16 will be decided in the final round.
