Tottenham Hotspur took a significant step towards the Europa League final with a 3-1 first-leg victory over Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night, although a late away goal keeps the tie alive.
Ange Postecoglou’s side, seeking silverware to salvage a difficult domestic season, delivered one of their better performances and made a dream start. Brennan Johnson headed Spurs in front after just 38 seconds – the fastest goal ever scored in a Europa League semi-final – after Richarlison nodded down Pedro Porro’s cross.
James Maddison displayed excellent skill to double Tottenham’s lead around the 33rd minute, controlling Porro’s long pass superbly before finishing low into the corner. Spurs could have extended their lead before halftime, but Rodrigo Bentancur’s volley was well saved by Nikita Haikin.
The hosts did get a third goal just after the hour mark. Following a VAR review for a foul on Cristian Romero inside the box, Dominic Solanke calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 63rd minute.
However, Bodø/Glimt, who had offered little attacking threat despite enjoying significant possession in the second half, grabbed a potentially vital away goal in the 83rd minute when captain Ulrik Saltnes’ shot took a deflection off Bentancur and looped into the net.
The win was tempered slightly for Spurs by injury concerns, as goalscorers Maddison and Solanke were both substituted in the second half after picking up knocks, though manager Postecoglou later indicated they were precautionary changes.
Tottenham will take a two-goal advantage to the Arctic Circle for the second leg next Thursday (May 8th). However, Bodø/Glimt have an impressive home record in Europe, having previously beaten teams like FC Porto and Lazio this season, and will believe they can still turn the tie around on their artificial pitch.
The winners will face either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao in the final at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on May 21st. With Manchester United holding a 3-0 lead from their first leg in Spain, the prospect of an all-English final remains strong. For Spurs, currently languishing in 16th in the Premier League, winning the Europa League would guarantee a Champions League spot next season and end a 17-year wait for a major trophy.
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