Inter Stunned by Bodo/Glimt as Cristian Chivu’s Gamble Backfires
Bornheimer – Inter Milan endured a humbling 1-3 defeat against Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the 2025/2026 Champions League playoff round on Thursday (February 19, 2026). What was supposed to be a calculated European mission instead turned into a night of frustration for the Nerazzurri.
The loss was not merely about the scoreline. It was about timing, context, and decisions. With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, Inter needed composure and balance. Instead, they appeared unsettled from the opening whistle. According to Italian outlet L’Interista, much of the scrutiny has fallen on head coach Cristian Chivu, whose bold tactical experiment failed to deliver.
In high-stakes matches, bravery can be admirable. However, when it misfires, it becomes costly.
A Tactical Approach That Raised Eyebrows
Chivu, 45, entered the match without several key players. Denzel Dumfries, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Davide Frattesi were unavailable. Naturally, their absence disrupted the team’s usual structure.
Yet critics argue that injuries alone do not justify radical experimentation. Instead of opting for stability, Chivu introduced significant changes to the starting lineup. Piotr Zielinski, who had been in strong form, was surprisingly benched. Likewise, Yann Bisseck, one of Inter’s more consistent performers this season, did not start.
Such decisions suggested a willingness to reshape the team’s dynamic. Unfortunately for Inter, cohesion suffered as a result.
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Replacements Struggle Under Pressure
In place of the sidelined regulars, Petar Sucic and Francesco Acerbi were entrusted with key responsibilities. On paper, the choices were defensible. On the pitch, however, they struggled to meet expectations.
Inter’s rhythm faltered early. The midfield lacked fluidity, and defensive transitions appeared hesitant. Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt capitalized on every lapse with clinical precision.
Moreover, the experimental combination of players seemed unfamiliar with one another’s movement patterns. Against a high-intensity home side, that lack of chemistry proved damaging. The Norwegian team pressed relentlessly, forcing mistakes that Inter could not recover from.
A Risk Too Great for a Crucial Encounter
Chivu had publicly warned his squad not to underestimate Bodo/Glimt. Ironically, his lineup choices conveyed a different message. By relying on rarely tested combinations, he effectively introduced uncertainty into an already demanding environment.
European away fixtures are rarely forgiving. They require discipline, tactical clarity, and experience. Instead, Inter appeared caught between adaptation and improvisation.
As the match unfolded, the gap widened. Bodo/Glimt’s confidence grew, while Inter’s structure unraveled. By the final whistle, the 1-3 scoreline reflected not just defensive lapses but strategic miscalculations.
Implications for Inter’s European Ambitions
The defeat places Inter in a precarious position heading into the second leg. Overturning a two-goal deficit is not impossible, especially at San Siro. However, the psychological impact of this loss cannot be ignored.
Chivu’s gamble, intended to surprise the opposition, may now demand a far more conservative response in the return fixture. The margin for error has evaporated.
In elite competitions, experimentation must be measured. On this occasion, it tipped the balance the wrong way. For the Nerazzurri, the cost could extend beyond a single match—it may define their entire European campaign.
Champions League Playoff First-Leg Results
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
00:45 WIB – Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus
03:00 WIB – Dortmund 2-0 Atalanta
03:00 WIB – Monaco 2-3 PSG
03:00 WIB – Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid
Thursday, February 19, 2026
00:45 WIB – Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle
03:00 WIB – Olympiakos 0-2 Leverkusen
03:00 WIB – Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter
03:00 WIB – Club Brugge 3-3 Atletico Madrid
As the playoff drama unfolds, Inter now faces a defining challenge. Redemption remains possible—but only if lessons are learned swiftly and decisively.
