Manchester city suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat away to Bodø/Glimt in a Champions League group stage match on Wednesday evening. Despite fielding a potent attacking lineup featuring Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki, the Premier League champions were outplayed in the frist half by the Norwegian side, falling behind 2-0 within the first 22 minutes [[1]]. The loss marks an early setback for City in their European campaign and raises questions about squad rotation as they balance domestic and continental commitments.
Pep Guardiola fielded an attacking trio of Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Rayan Cherki as Manchester City faced Norwegian opposition. Jeremy Doku was surprisingly left on the bench after starting in the derby against United.
Bodø/Glimt came out firing, energizing their home supporters as they sought to capitalize on the opportunity against the Premier League champions. The Norwegian side quickly took control, with Kasper Hogh heading home a Ole Blomberg cross in the 22nd minute to open the scoring, making it 1-0. Just two minutes later, Hogh doubled the advantage, finishing off a play started by his attacking partner to put Bodø/Glimt ahead 2-0.
Manchester City dominated possession after the restart, but couldn’t break through. Despite a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma on a shot from Hakon Evjen in the 53rd minute, the home side extended their lead through former Gent forward Jens Petter Hauge, who scored in the 58th minute to make it 3-0. Cherki pulled one back for City in the 60th minute, narrowing the deficit to 3-1, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed as Rodri received a red card in the 62nd minute.
The “Horde jaune” pressed their advantage with a man up, nearly adding to their lead when Hauge hit the crossbar in the 64th minute. Despite the late pressure, the score remained 3-1. The result presents a challenge for Manchester City as they continue their campaign in the tournament.
