Manchester City’s Champions League ambitions suffered a huge blow on Tuesday as Bodo/Glimt secured their first-ever victory in the competition, defeating the English champions 3-1. The result also marked the first time an English club has been beaten by a Norwegian side in Europe since 2002.
Returning to his homeland, Erling Haaland endured a frustrating night, failing to score for the seventh time in City’s last eight matches. Despite taking three shots, none were on target. Haaland, who has already scored 26 goals across all competitions this season, expressed his disappointment and apologised to supporters. “I don’t have the answers,” Haaland told TNT Sports. “I take full responsibility for not scoring the goals I should. I apologise to every single Man City supporter. In the end, it’s embarrassing. Bodo played incredible football and deserved the win.”
City were missing 11 senior players due to injury, illness, suspension, or UEFA squad restrictions, but Haaland stressed that experienced figures, including himself, Rodri, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Tijjani Reijnders, should have stepped up. “We need to take more responsibility. We’re Manchester City. We can’t go around not winning games. It shouldn’t be like this,” he said.
The match saw Rodri sent off after two quick yellow cards, while Donnarumma conceded five goals, though two were ruled out for offside.
The defeat extends City’s difficult start to 2026, with only two wins in all competitions — a 10-1 FA Cup rout over League One side Exeter City and a 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory against Newcastle.
Looking ahead, Pep Guardiola’s side will aim to secure their first league win of the year when they host bottom-placed Wolves on Saturday. The visitors, however, arrive in strong form, unbeaten in their last five matches.
Elijah Adeyemi
