‎'We Know the Sacrifice': Man City Stars Repay Fans After Bodo/Glimt Defeat in Arctic Champions League Test

‎Manchester City’s leaders have agreed to personally refund supporters who travelled to Norway after witnessing a surprise Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night. The setback marked another blow in a difficult opening to 2026 and dealt a significant hit to the club’s ambitions of securing automatic progression.

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‎City players reimburse supporters after a painful Champions League loss to Bodo/Glimt, as Erling Haaland takes responsibility and qualification hopes hang in the balance.

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‎Pep Guardiola’s side arrived in the Arctic Circle determined to respond to their derby defeat against Manchester United, but instead encountered a ruthless Bodo/Glimt team thriving in icy conditions and on an artificial pitch. The Norwegian outfit produced a commanding performance to claim a 3-1 victory over the English champions.

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‎The hosts built a decisive advantage in the first half as Kasper Hogh netted twice within minutes, sending Bodo/Glimt into the break with a two-goal cushion. Jens Petter Hauge extended the lead early in the second period before Rayan Cherki pulled one back. Moments later, City were reduced to ten men when Rodri was dismissed after two rapid bookings, effectively ending any comeback hopes.

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‎A total of 374 City fans had made the demanding trip to Aspmyra Stadion, and the club’s captains — Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Rodri — pledged to reimburse £9,357 to cover the cost of their journeys.

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‎In a statement, the players paid tribute to the loyalty of their supporters, acknowledging the sacrifices involved in travelling long distances to follow the team. They stressed that repaying the fans who endured freezing temperatures during a disappointing night was the minimum they could offer in return.

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‎Supporters’ representative Kevin Parker praised the players’ decision, describing it as proof of the special relationship between City’s squad and its travelling fanbase. He noted the difficulty of reaching Bodo and the harsh climate, adding that the refund symbolised the strong bond that exists on matchdays.

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‎After the final whistle, Haaland faced the media and issued a heartfelt apology. The forward, currently without an open-play goal in eight matches, said he accepted full responsibility for failing to convert chances and expressed embarrassment over the result, while also applauding Bodo/Glimt’s performance.

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‎The defeat drops City to seventh in the Champions League table, leaving their automatic qualification hopes in jeopardy. They now prepare to host Galatasaray next week, knowing only a victory will keep their top-eight ambitions alive.

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‎Attention first turns back to the Premier League, where Wolves visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. City have the opportunity to reduce the gap to leaders Arsenal to four points ahead of the Gunners’ meeting with Michael Carrick’s reshaped Manchester United.