Tottenham Hotspur is set to host Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, May 1, 2025. With their domestic campaign faltering, Spurs are focused on clinching their first European title in over four decades, following a dramatic quarter-final victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
After a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Liverpool in their last Premier League outing, Spurs are looking to regain their composure as they prepare to face the Norwegian champions. Bodø/Glimt, making history as the first Norwegian team to reach the semi-finals of a major European competition, will be aiming to pull off an upset against a Tottenham side that has been dominant in Europe.
Tottenham's path to this stage has been marked by resilience, having triumphed in 58.5% of pre-match simulations conducted by the Opta supercomputer. The home side boasts an impressive 19-match unbeaten streak at home in European competitions, with 15 wins and 4 draws since their last loss at home to RB Leipzig in February 2020.
Manager Ange Postecoglou has emphasized the importance of this match, making significant changes to his squad for the Liverpool game, which included eight alterations—the most he has made between two consecutive Premier League matches. This strategic rotation reflects Spurs' prioritization of the Europa League as they seek silverware to salvage a turbulent season.
Dominic Solanke has emerged as a key player for Tottenham in this competition, contributing to seven Europa League goals this season, with three goals and four assists. His performance will be crucial as Spurs look to capitalize on their home advantage against Bodø/Glimt, who have struggled in recent away matches.
Bodø/Glimt will face challenges of their own as they arrive in London without several key players. Captain Patrick Berg, along with Hakon Evjen and Andreas Helmersen, are suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. Additionally, defender Odin Bjørtuft is a doubt after sustaining a groin injury, which could significantly impact the visitors' defensive capabilities.
Despite their setbacks, Bodø/Glimt has shown resilience, having overcome Lazio in the quarter-finals after a thrilling penalty shootout following a comeback from a 2-0 first-leg deficit. This experience could serve them well as they prepare to face a Tottenham side eager to bounce back from their recent league woes.
Tottenham's squad will feature a full-strength lineup, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven returning to the center-back positions. Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to play a pivotal role in midfield, while the availability of Son Heung-min remains uncertain due to an ankle injury. His absence would be a significant blow for Spurs, who are already without Radu Dragusin for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.
Historically, Tottenham has had a favorable record against Norwegian teams in European competitions, winning all four previous encounters against such opponents. In contrast, Bodø/Glimt has yet to secure a victory against English clubs, having lost all three of their previous meetings.
As the match approaches, the stakes are high for both teams. Tottenham is not only aiming for a strong first-leg performance but also looking to build momentum heading into the second leg next week. The pressure is on Spurs to deliver, especially after their lackluster domestic campaign, where they currently sit 16th in the Premier League—a position that could mark their worst finish since 1977.
The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their team in hopes of witnessing a memorable European night. With temperatures forecasted to be around 24 degrees Celsius, the conditions should be ideal for an exciting match.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM BST, and fans can catch the action live on TNT Sports in the UK. For those unable to attend, live updates and commentary will be available through various platforms, ensuring that supporters can stay connected to the unfolding drama.
As Tottenham prepares for this crucial clash, all eyes will be on how they respond to their recent challenges and whether they can take a significant step toward European glory. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to make their mark in this prestigious competition.
In conclusion, the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final between Tottenham and Bodø/Glimt is set to be a pivotal moment for both clubs. Spurs are determined to leverage their home advantage, while Bodø/Glimt aims to defy expectations and continue their historic run. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams vie for a place in the final.
