Tottenham Hotspur is inching closer to advancing to the finals of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) in the 2024-25 season. In a thrilling second leg of the semi-finals held at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodo, Norway, on May 9, 2025, Tottenham faced off against FK Bodo/Glimt and emerged with a commanding 2-0 lead in the second half. With this victory, Tottenham now leads 5-1 on aggregate from the two legs.
Tottenham's starting lineup featured a strong squad, including players like Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. Notably absent was their captain, Son Heung-min, who was sidelined due to a foot injury.
In the first half, Tottenham began aggressively, with Bentancur attempting a cross just two minutes into the match. Richarlison's left-footed shot was blocked by the Bodo goalkeeper, signaling Tottenham's intent. Bodo responded quickly; in the 8th minute, Berg's corner kick was connected by Blockhus, but his right-footed shot went wide, leaving the home crowd disappointed.
As the first half progressed, Tottenham maintained pressure. In the 22nd minute, Porro took a free-kick that was skillfully saved by the Bodo keeper. Despite Tottenham's efforts, the half ended goalless at 0-0, with both teams feeling the weight of the moment.
As the second half kicked off, Tottenham's strategy remained focused on defense, looking to preserve their aggregate lead. Bodo, needing to score, increased their offensive efforts, yet Tottenham's backline held firm. Changes came from both sides; Bodo substituted Sorli and Helmersen into the match to bolster their attack, while Tottenham brought on Tel for Richarlison to maintain their forward pressure.
In the 18th minute of the second half, Tottenham broke the deadlock. A corner kick taken by Udogie was headed down by Romero, and Solanke, showing great positional awareness, found the back of the net to give Tottenham a 1-0 lead. The momentum shifted further in Tottenham's favor just six minutes later when Porro, from the right flank, sent a cross that unexpectedly curled into the net, extending the lead to 2-0.
With a 5-1 aggregate lead, Tottenham is now on the brink of securing their place in the final. If they manage to defeat Bodo/Glimt, they will face either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao in the final, scheduled for May 22, 2025, at the Estadio San Mames in Bilbao, Spain.
Despite the absence of key players like Son Heung-min and vice-captain James Maddison, who is out for the season, Tottenham's depth and determination shone through in this crucial match. Coach Ange Postecoglou's tactical approach, focusing on solid defense while capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities, proved effective against Bodo's aggressive play.
As the final whistle approached, Tottenham's fans could sense the historic achievement within reach. The players, fueled by the support from the stands, displayed resilience and teamwork, showcasing the spirit of the club as they strive for European glory.
The anticipation builds as Tottenham looks forward to the final, where they aim to secure their first major trophy since 2008. The journey has been long, and the challenges many, but with their sights set firmly on the prize, Tottenham Hotspur is ready to make history.
