Tottenham Hotspur took a significant step towards the UEFA Europa League final with a convincing 3-1 victory over Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of their semi-final clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 1, 2025. The match showcased a dominant performance from Spurs, who quickly established control, scoring their first goal just 38 seconds into the game.
Brennan Johnson, who has been a standout player for Tottenham this season, headed in the opener from a Richarlison nod down, setting the tone for the evening. Johnson's goal marked a remarkable start for the home side, which had been struggling in the Premier League, currently sitting in 16th place.
Following Johnson's early strike, Spurs doubled their lead in the 34th minute when James Maddison expertly converted a long ball from Pedro Porro, finding the bottom corner of the net. Maddison's goal was a testament to his skill and composure, as he maneuvered through a crowded defense to find the back of the net.
Dominic Solanke further extended Tottenham's lead to 3-0 in the 62nd minute, converting a penalty after Cristian Romero was fouled in the box. Solanke's calm execution from the spot showcased his confidence and ability to perform under pressure.
Despite being outplayed for most of the match, Bodø/Glimt managed to pull one back in the 83rd minute when Ulrik Saltnes scored with a deflected shot that found its way past Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. This late goal provided a glimmer of hope for the Norwegian side, who had struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the match.
The match statistics highlighted Tottenham's dominance, with the home side enjoying a significant advantage in possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Spurs registered a total of 20 shots, with several attempts being blocked or saved by Bodø/Glimt's goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. In contrast, the visitors managed only one shot on target prior to Saltnes' goal.
After the match, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "In terms of performance, I couldn’t ask any more of the lads. We were dominant, really well organized defensively and were always a threat going forwards. I don’t think the scoreline reflects our dominance, but at the end of the day, you want to end the first leg in a good position, and we got ourselves in a good position."
Postecoglou's comments reflect the team's aspirations as they aim for their first trophy since 2008. With the second leg set to take place at the Aspmyra Stadion in the Arctic Circle, Tottenham will need to maintain their focus, as Bodø/Glimt has proven to be a formidable opponent at home, boasting a 70% win rate in the Europa League since the 2022-23 season.
Former Spurs player Glenn Hoddle weighed in on the upcoming second leg, stating, "A goal over there will kill the tie. They have beaten some really top teams at home, they are almost a different side. But I think Spurs will score there; they were excellent tonight with a balance to their game."
As Tottenham prepares for the return leg, the health of key players James Maddison and Dominic Solanke, both of whom suffered injuries during the match, will be a concern. Maddison, who has been instrumental in Spurs' attacking play, and Solanke, who scored from the penalty spot, will be crucial for Tottenham's chances of advancing to the final.
The Europa League has become a vital competition for Spurs this season, especially given their struggles in domestic play. Currently, they are facing their worst season since 1976-77, and winning the Europa League could provide a much-needed boost and a pathway to Champions League football next season.
With the match concluded, Tottenham fans are left with a mixture of optimism and caution. While the 3-1 lead gives Spurs a favorable position heading into the second leg, the late goal from Bodø/Glimt serves as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in football. Spurs will need to bring their best performance to Norway if they hope to secure a place in the Europa League final.
As the excitement builds for the second leg, Tottenham will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and continue their pursuit of silverware. The stakes are high, and with the potential for an all-English final against Manchester United, Spurs are determined to make history and end their long trophy drought.
