Spurs Strike Early and Cruise to Europa League Advantage

Tottenham Hotspur took a giant step towards the Europa League final after a commanding 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It took less than a minute for Ange Postecoglou’s side to break the deadlock. Brennan Johnson was on hand to nod home after Richarlison met a Pedro Porro cross and looped a header towards goal. The early strike sent the home crowd into a frenzy and set the tone for a dominant Spurs display.

The lead was doubled just after the half-hour mark. Porro was again the architect, threading a superb pass through to James Maddison, who controlled expertly before firing a precise shot into the far corner. Tottenham’s attacking intent was relentless, and they might have added another before the break but for a spectacular save by Bodo/Glimt’s Nikita Haikin, denying Rodrigo Bentancur’s thunderous volley.

In the second half, Spurs kept up the pressure and were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, after Cristian Romero was caught in the box by Fredrik Sjovold. Dominic Solanke coolly converted from the spot, sending Haikin the wrong way and seemingly putting the tie beyond doubt.

However, the visitors — Norway’s surprise package of the competition — found a late lifeline. Ulrik Saltnes scored from Bodo/Glimt’s first shot on target, his effort deflecting off Rodrigo Bentancur and past Guglielmo Vicario with just ten minutes to play.

With one foot in the final, Spurs will turn their attention to a Premier League clash against West Ham before the decisive second leg in Norway. Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt will regroup in hope of producing one of European football’s great turnarounds.