Tottenham Hotspur took a significant step toward reaching the Europa League final with a 3-1 first-leg win over Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In a season marred by Premier League misery, Ange Postecoglou’s side produced a largely dominant performance, though a late goal for the visitors ensured the second leg in Norway remains finely poised.
The tone was set just 38 seconds in Brennan Johnson capitalized on a cushioned header from Richarlison to open the scoring with the fastest goal in Europa League semi-final history. Tottenham controlled proceedings from the outset, pouring forward with confidence and pinning their opponents deep in their own half.
James Maddison doubled the lead with a composed finish in the 34th minute, receiving a pinpoint long ball from Pedro Porro and calmly slotting past Bodø/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. It was a moment of quality from Maddison, who continues to be a central creative force for Spurs, despite a campaign disrupted by injury and inconsistency.
The hosts appeared to have sealed the tie just after the hour mark. Cristian Romero was brought down in the box by Fredrik Sjovold, and after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Dominic Solanke, continuing his fine scoring form, stroked the ball past Haikin with trademark composure to make it 3-0.
However, in true Tottenham fashion, they allowed a glimmer of hope for the visitors. Bodø/Glimt, who had failed to register a shot on target until the 83rd minute, found the net when Ulrik Saltnes struck a deflected effort off Rodrigo Bentancur to pull one back. It was their only shot on target, but it could prove crucial in the return leg.
Despite the frustrating lapse, Spurs were clearly superior, finishing with 24 shots to Bodø/Glimt’s five and racking up 3.04 expected goals to their opponents’ 0.26. Yet, the mood was dampened by late injuries to both Maddison and Solanke, casting doubt over their availability for the second leg.
While Tottenham’s domestic form has been disastrous culminating in a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Liverpool the Europa League has provided a lifeline. A place in the final against either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao awaits, and with Champions League qualification on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Postecoglou’s position remains under scrutiny, with rumors swirling that even European silverware may not be enough to save his job. But in leading Spurs to the cusp of their first European final since 2019, he may yet write a positive chapter in a turbulent campaign.
Bodø/Glimt, the first Norwegian club to reach a major European semi-final, will believe they can still produce a historic upset back home. But Tottenham, with a two-goal cushion and one eye on Bilbao, remain firmly in the driving seat.
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