Tottenham Hotspur continued their quest for European glory with a commanding 3-1 victory over Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League semi-final, held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on May 2, 2025. The win puts Spurs in a strong position as they head into the second leg next week.
Despite the absence of their captain Son Heung-min, who is sidelined with a foot injury, Tottenham showcased their attacking prowess early in the match. Brennan Johnsen opened the scoring just 39 seconds into the game, capitalizing on a well-placed cross from Pedro Porro. Johnsen's header set the tone for what would be a dominant first half for the home side.
James Maddison doubled Tottenham's lead in the 34th minute, finishing off a long ball from Porro with a deft touch before slotting it past the Bodø/Glimt goalkeeper. With a 2-0 lead at halftime, Spurs looked poised to extend their advantage further.
In the second half, Tottenham maintained their momentum. Dominic Solanke, who had been a key figure throughout the match, converted a penalty in the 61st minute after Cristian Romero was fouled in the box. This goal pushed Tottenham's lead to 3-0, putting them firmly in control.
However, Bodø/Glimt managed to pull one back with a goal from Ulrik Saltnes in the 82nd minute, making the score 3-1. Though the visitors showed resilience, Tottenham held firm, ensuring they would take a two-goal cushion into the second leg.
As the match concluded, the focus shifted to the upcoming second leg, set to take place on May 9, 2025, at Aspmyra Stadium in Bodø, Norway. This venue, known for its artificial turf, has proven challenging for visiting teams. Historically, clubs like FC Porto, Celtic FC, and AS Roma have struggled on this pitch, raising concerns for Tottenham as they prepare for the away leg.
Tottenham's head coach, Ange Postecoglou, acknowledged the significance of the victory but remained cautious. "We have a good lead, but we can't afford to be complacent. The second leg will be a different challenge, especially playing on their home turf," he stated. Postecoglou also addressed Son's injury situation, expressing hope that the captain could return for the decisive match. "Son is working hard on his recovery. If all goes well, he may be ready for the second leg," he added.
For Tottenham, this Europa League campaign is particularly crucial. The club has struggled in domestic competitions this season, sitting 16th in the English Premier League and facing early exits from both the FA Cup and the League Cup. The Europa League represents their best chance to secure silverware and a spot in next season's Champions League.
Tottenham's last major trophy came in the 2007-08 season when they lifted the League Cup. Since then, the club has endured a 17-year trophy drought, and the weight of expectation is palpable as they strive to end this barren spell. Fans have rallied behind the team, with many taking to social media to express their support for Son and the squad as they aim for glory.
In other semi-final news, Manchester United secured a 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao, positioning them as strong contenders for the final as well. Should both teams advance, it would set up a thrilling all-Premier League final.
As the days count down to the second leg, all eyes will be on Tottenham's preparations and the potential return of Son Heung-min. His leadership and experience could be pivotal in navigating the challenges ahead. With a place in the final at stake, Tottenham must remain focused and determined to achieve their European ambitions.
With the first leg in the books, Tottenham has put themselves in a favorable position, but the job is far from finished. The players and coaching staff will need to prepare thoroughly to ensure they can handle the unique challenges posed by Bodø/Glimt's home ground.
As the countdown to the second leg begins, Tottenham fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for their captain and a solid performance in Norway, aiming to secure their place in the UEFA Europa League final.
