Tottenham Hotspur took a big step towards the UEFA Europa League final with a resounding 3-1 first-leg victory over FK Bodø/Glimt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke helped Spurs continue their impressive European home record, although a late deflected strike gave the Norwegian champions a breath of fresh air ahead of the return leg.
First half – Johnson and Maddison give Spurs the lead
Spurs made a brilliant start to the game, scoring after just 38 seconds. Yves Bissouma won the ball in midfield, and a deep cross from Pedro Porro was met by Richarlison, who headed it home for Brennan Johnson, who headed home from close range. The home side was very active early on, with James Maddison volleying over minutes later from a long pass from Cristian Romero.
Glimt struggled to find their footing, with a speculative penalty appeal turned down after Isak Dybvik Määttä was tackled by Maddison and Destiny Udogie. Spurs doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark through Maddison, who collected another Porro pass. The England international’s misfired effort was wrong-footed goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, who curled into the far corner. Rodrigo Bentancur almost made it three with a volley that was acrobatically pushed away, while Ole Didrik Blomberg missed the visitors’ best chance of the first half with a clumsy flick in added time.
Second half – Solanke scores before Glimt responds late
The second half saw Spurs continue to dominate, and they were awarded a penalty just before the hour mark. A clumsy clearance from Fredrik Sjøvold caught Romero out in the penalty area. After a quick VAR review, the referee awarded the penalty. Solanke coolly converted, sending Haikin the wrong way, making the score 3-0.
However, the celebrations were tempered by the injury-plagued exit of Maddison and Solanke, with manager Ange Postecoglou hoping their withdrawals were a precautionary measure. The night ended on a negative note for Spurs, with Glimt reducing the deficit in the 83rd minute. Ulrik Saltnes found space in the box and his shot took a heavy deflection off Bentancur, wrong-footing Sánchez, giving the visitors a crucial away goal.
What this means
Spurs will take a two-goal lead over Norway, but FK Bodø/Glimt can take heart from their impeccable home record in the round of 16 this season. A strong start to the second leg will be crucial for Postecoglou’s men if they want to avoid a tense finish.
Key statistics
- Tottenham are now unbeaten in 19 European home games (W14 D5).
- Brennan Johnson has scored his first European goal for Spurs.
- FK Bodø/Glimt lost all three of their away matches in the round of 16 of the 2024/25 season but won all three of their home matches.
- James Maddison has been involved in four goals in his last three Europa League appearances (2 goals, 2 assists).
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