As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated second leg of the Europa League semi-final, Bodø/Glimt prepares to host Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadion on May 8, 2025. With a 3-1 advantage from the first leg firmly in their grasp, Spurs will be looking to secure their spot in the final in Bilbao, but they know the task won't be easy against a formidable Bodø side that thrives in front of their home crowd.
Tottenham's journey to this stage has been marked by impressive performances, including their commanding victory in the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Brennan Johnson made history by scoring the fastest-ever goal in a Europa League semi-final just 39 seconds into the match, setting the tone for what was a dominant display by the English side. James Maddison and Dominic Solanke added to the tally, putting Spurs 3-0 up before Ulrik Saltnes pulled one back for Bodø/Glimt with a late strike, igniting hopes of a comeback.
Coach Ange Postecoglou's men enter the match with a wealth of confidence, but they are well aware of the challenges that await them in Norway. "It's nice to have that lead, but we still know it's going to be a difficult game and the job's not done yet," Solanke remarked, emphasizing the need for caution. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere at Aspmyra is expected to be electric, with a full stadium backing the home side.
Bodø/Glimt has been nothing short of sensational at home this season, winning six of their seven Europa League fixtures and scoring 19 goals in the process, the most of any team in the competition. Their impressive home form includes a standout 2-0 victory over Lazio in the quarter-finals, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Coach Kjetil Knutsen believes that the late goal in the first leg gives his team a fighting chance. "It gives us hope for the home game because at 3-0 I think we are out – that’s too big a gap," he stated, highlighting the importance of the home advantage.
Key players will be crucial for Bodø's hopes of a comeback. Kasper Høgh, who has been in sensational form, has scored seven goals in the Europa League this season, making him a vital asset for the Norwegian side. His ability to find the net, coupled with Ulrik Saltnes' creativity and attacking prowess, could pose significant challenges for the Spurs defense. Saltnes averages 2.63 shots per 90 minutes in Europe, showcasing his active role in the team's attacking strategy.
Defensively, Tottenham has shown vulnerabilities, having kept only one clean sheet in knockout play. However, they haven't conceded more than a single goal in any leg, which might provide some comfort as they head into this crucial match. Cristian Romero's aggressive style will be key in maintaining defensive solidity, though he has been known to commit fouls, averaging 1.12 per 90 minutes this season.
The odds are in Tottenham's favor, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 44.5% chance of victory compared to Bodø/Glimt's 30.5%. Historically, teams that have won the first leg of a knockout tie by two or more goals have a high success rate in progressing, with only nine of 92 instances failing to do so. Spurs have not won back-to-back away games in major European competition since November 2013, making this match a crucial test of their resilience.
Despite the odds, Bodø/Glimt will look to capitalize on their home advantage. "We will have a full stadium and we can go for it," Knutsen added, underscoring the belief within the squad. The Norwegian side's tactical approach will likely involve high-tempo aggression, aiming to unsettle Tottenham and exploit any defensive lapses. They are the joint second-best team for expected goals (xG) in the competition, alongside Spurs, which indicates their offensive capabilities.
As the match approaches, the absence of key players for Tottenham, including James Maddison, who is out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, could impact their attacking fluency. However, the return of captain Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen from suspension for Bodø adds to the intrigue of this high-stakes encounter.
With so much on the line, both teams will be eager to leave everything on the pitch. Tottenham's structured control will be tested against Bodø's high-tempo style, promising an exciting clash. The tactical contrast between the two sides will be fascinating to watch, as Spurs aim to maintain their lead while Bodø/Glimt seeks to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the final.
As the players take to the field, the atmosphere will be charged with anticipation and excitement. Fans from both sides are sure to create an unforgettable experience, with the stakes never higher. Will Tottenham seal their place in the final, or can Bodø/Glimt mount a remarkable comeback? The answer awaits as the action unfolds at Aspmyra Stadion.
