Tottenham Hotspur took a significant step towards the Europa League final with a commanding 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 1, 2025. The match saw Spurs dominate the first half, showcasing their attacking prowess while also raising concerns with a late goal conceded.
It took just 38 seconds for Tottenham to find the back of the net, as Brennan Johnson opened the scoring with a deft header. The goal came from a well-placed cross by Pedro Porro, which Richarlison headed back across goal, allowing Johnson to finish with precision. This early strike set the tone for the match, as Spurs quickly asserted their dominance.
James Maddison doubled the lead for the hosts just before half-time, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Porro. Maddison controlled the ball expertly before sending a scuffed shot that rolled into the bottom left corner, leaving the Bodo goalkeeper, Nikita Haikin, with no chance. The home crowd erupted as Tottenham went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
In the second half, Spurs continued to apply pressure, and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty after Cristian Romero was fouled in the box by Frederik Sjovold. Referee José María Sánchez awarded the penalty after consulting the pitch-side monitor. Dominic Solanke stepped up and confidently rolled the ball into the net, extending Tottenham's lead to 3-0.
However, the match took a turn when Bodo/Glimt managed to pull one back late in the game. Ulrik Saltnes scored with a deflected shot that caught Rodrigo Bentancur off guard, leaving Spurs with a slight blemish on an otherwise stellar performance. The late goal offered a glimmer of hope for the visitors, who had been largely outplayed throughout the match.
After the game, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou reflected on his team's performance, praising the fans for their support. "I thought our supporters were outstanding tonight, from the moment we walked out, and I think they added the energy to the team. Even us scoring an early goal came from the fact that as soon as the boys walked out, there was a buzz in the stadium, and that's a credit to our fans," he said.
Postecoglou also highlighted the contributions of Yves Bussouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, stating, "I thought Biss and Rodri were outstanding. They were really key for us today. The beauty of Lucas is that he fills that sort of role really well from a defensive point of view. I thought he was brilliant. Look, he's had an up-and-down year like all of us, but I've still got full belief in him and full confidence that on a day like today, he could do a really good job for us and I thought he was outstanding."
Despite the victory, Postecoglou had concerns about injuries sustained by Maddison and Solanke during the match. "Madders felt a tweak in his knee, but it doesn't sound like it's anything serious, and Dom something similar in his quad, but both of them didn't feel it was anything too significant," he explained. The manager expressed hope that the injuries would not hinder their availability for the second leg.
Brennan Johnson, who set the tempo with his opening goal, echoed his manager's sentiments. "If before the game you would have said that we'd have a two-goal cushion, then we'd be happy with it. Disappointed to concede at the end, but we are happy with the performance," he stated. Johnson emphasized the importance of the early goal in setting the tone for the match.
Looking ahead, Tottenham will travel to Norway for the second leg, where they will face Bodo/Glimt at their home ground, known for its artificial pitch. The Norwegian side has proven to be formidable at home, having knocked out Lazio in the quarter-finals and previously defeating Olympiacos. Postecoglou acknowledged the challenge that awaits, saying, "Bodo away is a difficult fixture, but so was Frankfurt, and we went there knowing we had to win. We need to replicate what we did today, irrespective of the surface. If we're as organized and disciplined as today, it will be difficult to stop us."
Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen remained optimistic despite the defeat. He noted, "The goal is really important. It's totally different for us to play at home. I think we still have an opportunity here. We are not the favorites, but we will really go for it, fight for it." Bodo will welcome back key players for the second leg, including captain Patrick Berg, who missed the first match due to suspension.
As Tottenham prepares for the return leg, they carry a two-goal advantage but will be wary of the threat posed by Bodo/Glimt on their home turf. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the semi-final, as both teams vie for a place in the Europa League final.
