Manchester City’s alarming run of form continued on the European stage as Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten 3–1 away by Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League.

City travelled to Norway severely weakened, with no fewer than ten first-team players missing the trip. The absences were felt most acutely in defence, where makeshift solutions struggled throughout the night. Despite dominating possession and completing an astonishing 93% of their passes, City’s trademark control proved sterile — neat and methodical, but completely toothless in attack.

Bodo/Glimt, by contrast, played with clarity and conviction. They kept things simple, sitting deep and waiting for opportunities to counter-attack. Their plan paid off spectacularly midway through the first half, when they struck twice within two minutes. Both goals stemmed from costly defensive errors by the visitors, allowing Håkon Evjen to break through and finish ruthlessly, leaving Gianluigi Donnarumma exposed.

The second half brought more drama. The hosts extended their lead in emphatic fashion as Jens Petter Hauge unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box into the top corner — a goal worthy of any Champions League highlight reel. Moments later, Rayan Cherki briefly reignited hope for Manchester City with a swift reply.

Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished. The dismissal of Rodri proved a decisive blow, leaving City stretched, vulnerable and ultimately powerless to change the course of the match.

2025-26 UEFA Champions League

Bodø/Glimt - Manchester City 3:1 (2:0)
Goals: Högh K., 22 (1:0); Högh K., 24 (2:0); Hauge, 58 (3:0); Cherki, 60 (3:1)

Bodø/Glimt: Haikin; Bjørtuft; Gundersen J.; Bjorkan; Berg P.; Hauge; Fet S. (Määttä, 82); Sjövold; Evjen (Saltnes, 76); Blomberg O. (Auklend, 76); Högh K. (Helmersen, 76)
Substitution: Saltnes (from 76); Auklend (from 76); Helmersen (from 76); Määttä (from 82)
Bench: Lund Ju.; Sjong; Nielsen V.; Aleesami; Klynge; Riisnæs

Manchester City: Donnarumma G.; Aït-Nouri; Khusanov; Alleyne; Lewis R.; Reijnders; Rodri (till 62); Foden (Marmoush, 70); Cherki; O'Reilly; Håland E.
Substitution: Marmoush (from 70)
Bench: Trafford; Bettinelli; Ake; Mfuni; Gray C.; Mukasa; Doku J.
Yellow Cards: Rodri 61, 62; Cherki 93
Red cards: Rodri 62'