Bodø/Glimt will be looking to pull off a remarkable comeback as they host Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals at the Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday, May 8, 2025. After a 3-1 defeat in the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Norwegian side faces the daunting task of overturning a two-goal deficit against the Premier League outfit. However, Bodø/Glimt's players are confident that playing at home, where they have previously upset higher-ranked teams, could tilt the odds in their favor.
The match kicks off at 9 p.m. CEST local time in Norway, which translates to 8 p.m. BST in the UK, 3 p.m. ET in the US, and 12 p.m. PT. Fans around the world will be able to watch the match live, with broadcasting rights held by various networks including TNT Sports in the UK and Paramount+ in the US.
Tottenham's journey in this tournament has been promising, with goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke giving them a comfortable lead in the first leg. The late goal from Bodø/Glimt's Ulrik Saltnes, however, has kept the tie alive and provided a glimmer of hope for the underdogs.
Conditions in Bodø can be challenging for visiting teams, with the stadium's artificial surface and the potential for windy weather often playing a significant role in the outcome of matches. As defender Jostein Gundersen aptly noted, "It is not the most fantastic place to play. We use the weather and the cold to our advantage. It is really difficult for the other teams to come here." This sentiment is echoed by midfielder Dejan Kulusevski, who acknowledged that playing on an artificial pitch requires a different approach: "It is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that."
Tottenham's manager Ange Postecoglou has made just one enforced change to his starting lineup, bringing in Kulusevski to replace the injured Maddison. The rest of the squad remains largely unchanged from their previous outing against West Ham, where they faced a disappointing draw. Postecoglou will be counting on the likes of Richarlison, Solanke, and Johnson to secure their place in the final.
On the other hand, Bodø/Glimt welcomes back key players Patrick Berg, Hakon Evjen, and Andreas Helmersen from suspension, bolstering their chances as they aim to replicate their previous successes against higher-tier teams. The team is determined to leverage their home advantage, with Bjortuft emphasizing, "Of course, playing here at home is a big advantage for us because I don't think a lot of teams are prepared for what's coming."
Historically, Bodø/Glimt has proven to be a formidable opponent at home, having previously defeated Lazio 2-0 in the quarter-finals of this season's competition. This victory, along with their impressive track record against Roma in 2021, where they won 6-1, builds confidence for the Norwegian side. As they prepare for the match, the players are well aware that overturning a two-goal deficit in a semi-final has never been accomplished in the history of the Europa League, but they remain optimistic.
The weather forecast predicts a milder climate than usual for Bodø, with temperatures expected to hover around 5°C and dry conditions, which could favor the visitors. However, the wind factor remains a concern, as the open design of the Aspmyra Stadion often results in unpredictable gusts that can alter the flow of the game.
As the teams warm up for the highly anticipated clash, fans are buzzing with excitement. Tottenham supporters are hopeful that their team will secure a place in the final, while Bodø/Glimt fans believe their side can deliver a historic performance. The stakes for both teams are high, as Tottenham seeks their first major trophy in 17 years, while Bodø/Glimt aims to etch their name in the history books.
In terms of viewership, fans in the US can catch the match on Paramount+ and other streaming platforms, while UK viewers can tune in via TNT Sports. The anticipation is palpable, and as the kickoff approaches, both teams are set to battle not only for a spot in the final but also for pride and glory on an international stage.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the atmosphere in Bodø is electric, and both teams are ready to give their all. With the first leg's outcome hanging in the balance, the second leg promises to be an unforgettable encounter filled with drama, determination, and the pursuit of European glory.
