Bodo/Glimt's astonishing run in the Champions League knockout stages, including shock wins over Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan, is built on a foundation of mental resilience. The Norwegian club, with a population barely fitting into 10 of Europe's remaining 16 clubs, reached the last 16 despite starting the group stage with just four points. Their 5-1 aggregate victory over Inter Milan stands as a defining moment, showcasing their ability to perform against Europe's elite despite limited possession (35% in both games).

This success stems from a deliberate shift in mentality under coach Bjorn Mannsverk, an active fighter pilot who normalized the pressure of facing giants like Guardiola's City, viewing them as having exploitable weaknesses rather than untouchable forces.