Tottenham Hotspur is on the brink of reaching the UEFA Europa League final, with a crucial match against FK Bodø/Glimt set for May 9, 2025, at 4 AM Korean time at Aspmyra Stadion. Having secured a 3-1 victory in the first leg, Tottenham finds itself in a favorable position to advance to the final.
As the team prepares for this pivotal encounter, the focus is on the potential return of their star player, Son Heung-min. The South Korean forward has been sidelined since early April due to a foot injury, missing five matches, including the recent semi-final first leg against Bodø/Glimt. Tottenham is hopeful that he could make a comeback in the final, should they advance.
On May 6, 2025, Tottenham Hotspur News reported on Son's injury status, emphasizing the importance of his return for the team. “Son Heung-min’s return could be a significant boost for Tottenham, especially as they look to end a 17-year trophy drought,” the report stated. Coach Ange Postecoglou has remained tight-lipped about the severity of Son's injury but expressed optimism regarding his potential return.
Tottenham's performance in the Europa League this season has been commendable, with a record of eight wins, three draws, and two losses. The team has demonstrated resilience, particularly after winning their away match against Eintracht Frankfurt in the round of 16. However, they have not secured consecutive away victories in European competitions since November 2013.
In the context of their upcoming match, Tottenham's historical performance in the Europa League suggests they have a strong chance of advancing. Since the tournament was rebranded in the 2009-10 season, 83 out of 92 teams that won the first leg by two goals or more have progressed to the next round, with eight of those reaching the final. This statistic bodes well for Tottenham, who will need to avoid a loss by more than one goal to secure their place in the final.
Bodø/Glimt, on the other hand, has struggled against English teams in the past, having lost all four of their encounters. Despite their impressive home record, winning nine of their last ten home games in European competitions, they have faced elimination in seven of their last twelve tournament matches.
As the match day approaches, excitement builds among Tottenham fans, particularly regarding Son Heung-min's potential return. Football Insider's Paul O'Keefe mentioned in a recent update that he has heard Son is likely to play in the final if Tottenham advances. This news has provided a sense of relief for fans who have been concerned about the team's performance without their captain.
In the first leg against Bodø/Glimt, Tottenham showcased their attacking prowess, but the match also highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities. The team will need to strike a balance between offense and defense as they prepare for the return leg. The tactical setup under Postecoglou has often leaned towards a defensive approach, which could be crucial in maintaining their aggregate lead.
On May 7, 2025, Tottenham confirmed their squad for the trip to Norway, which notably excluded injured players like Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Lucas Bentancur. The absence of these key players raises questions about the team's depth and ability to cope with the pressure of a semi-final match.
During the first half of the second leg, Tottenham's strategy appeared to focus on solidifying their defense. Early attempts from both teams saw Tottenham's Richarlison and Bodø's Blomberg testing the opposing goalkeepers, but neither side could find the back of the net before halftime.
As the second half commenced, Tottenham struck first. In the 63rd minute, a well-executed corner kick led to a goal from Dominic Solanke, who capitalized on a header from Cristian Romero. This goal not only put Tottenham ahead in the match but also extended their aggregate lead to 4-1.
Just moments later, Tottenham doubled their advantage with another goal from Pedro Porro, who found the net with a shot that caught the Bodø defense off guard. With the score now 2-0 in the match and 5-1 on aggregate, Tottenham was well on their way to securing a place in the final.
Despite the absence of Son Heung-min, Tottenham's performance has shown that they have the talent and determination to succeed. The contributions of players like Solanke and Porro have been vital in maintaining the momentum as the team aims to break their trophy drought.
As the clock ticks down in the second leg, Tottenham fans hold their breath, hoping to see their team advance to the final. The prospect of lifting the Europa League trophy is tantalizing, and the potential return of Son Heung-min adds an extra layer of excitement to the unfolding drama.
With the match nearing its conclusion, Tottenham's focus will be on maintaining their lead and ensuring that they do not underestimate their opponents. The stakes are high, and the chance to secure a spot in the final is within their grasp.
As the final whistle approaches, it is clear that Tottenham Hotspur is on the verge of making history. The team’s journey in the Europa League has been marked by determination and resilience, and fans are hopeful that this season could culminate in a long-awaited trophy.
