As the clock ticks down towards kick-off, the excitement is palpable in Bodo, Norway, where Tottenham Hotspur prepares to face Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final. Spurs, leading 3-1 on aggregate after a solid first-leg performance, are on the brink of potentially ending their 17-year trophy drought with a place in the final at stake.
Tonight’s match, scheduled for May 8, 2025, at 20:00 UK time (21:00 local), will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. It promises to be a thrilling encounter at Aspmyra Stadion, where the Norwegian champions aim to leverage their home advantage to pull off a comeback.
Tottenham's journey this season has been tumultuous, marked by a lackluster performance in the Premier League where they have lost 19 games, the most in a single season since 1912. However, their European campaign has been a bright spot, with eight victories to date, including a strong showing against Bodo/Glimt in the first leg.
In that first leg, Spurs showcased their attacking prowess with goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke, putting them in a commanding position. Yet, Ulrik Saltnes' late strike for Bodo/Glimt has added a layer of intrigue to the tie, as the hosts seek to overturn the deficit and reach their first-ever European final.
Bodo/Glimt, known for their impressive home record, have won nine of their last ten European matches at home, with their only loss coming during this season’s group stage. Their attacking output has been formidable, averaging 2.27 expected goals per 90 minutes and scoring three or more goals in 11 of their last 17 home European outings. This season, they’ve already defeated notable teams like Lazio and Olympiacos by two goals or more on their turf.
The return of key players such as captain Patrick Berg and forward Hakon Evjen, both suspended for the first leg, bolsters Bodo/Glimt’s chances. Their artificial pitch, which Spurs struggled on earlier in the season during a 0-0 draw with non-league Tamworth, could also play a significant role in the outcome.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who has emphasized the importance of mental fortitude, expressed frustration over the negative narrative surrounding his team. "If you expect something to go wrong, it will," he noted, urging his players to focus on their game rather than the pressure of the occasion. He aims to foster a winning culture, breaking through the longstanding skepticism that has surrounded the club.
Despite their struggles in the league, Tottenham's European form has been impressive, with their aggregate lead providing a cushion. They are just one win away from breaking a 64-year record for the most victories in a single European campaign, a feat they have never achieved since their first major European competition in 1961.
However, history is not on their side when it comes to maintaining leads. Teams that have lost the first leg by two goals away from home in UEFA competitions have only a 14% qualification rate. Spurs themselves fell victim to such a scenario in the 2021 Europa League when they lost to Dinamo Zagreb after winning the first leg 2-0.
As the teams prepare for battle, Tottenham's squad will be without playmaker James Maddison, who is out for the season with a knee injury, and Heung-Min Son, who is still recovering from a foot injury. Dominic Solanke is expected to play despite a minor thigh issue that sidelined him in the Premier League match against West Ham.
Bodo/Glimt’s coach has rallied his team, emphasizing their home advantage and the support of their fans. The atmosphere in Bodo is expected to be electric, with the local crowd eager to witness a historic moment for their club. The weather forecast predicts light rain and temperatures around 6 degrees Celsius, conditions that could add to the challenge for the visiting Spurs.
With everything on the line, the stage is set for a dramatic encounter. Will Tottenham hold their nerve and secure their place in the final, or can Bodo/Glimt stage a stunning comeback? Football fans around the world will be watching closely as the action unfolds tonight in the Arctic Circle.
