Tottenham Hotspur put one foot in the UEFA Europa League final with a dominant 3-1 victory over FK Bodø/Glimt in their semi-final first leg clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A lightning-fast opener and standout performances from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison helped the North London side extend their unbeaten home record in European competitions to 19 games.
Dream Start for Spurs
It took just 38 seconds for Tottenham to send their fans into celebration. Midfielder Yves Bissouma won back possession deep in the Glimt half and released Pedro Porro down the flank. The Spaniard delivered a pinpoint cross that was headed back across goal by Richarlison into the path of Brennan Johnson, who nodded the ball home for an early 1-0 lead.
Johnson early goal for Spurs pic.twitter.com/ObSApbBQmS
— Ken (@CFCKen_) May 1, 2025
That opening strike left the Norwegian visitors stunned, and Spurs kept pressing. Maddison nearly doubled the advantage in the sixth minute when he volleyed over after a long ball from Cristian Romero, as Tottenham looked to pile on early pressure.
Spurs Double the Lead
After a brief period of composure from Glimt, who had a mild penalty claim waved away after Isak Dybvik Maata was caught between Maddison and Destiny Udogie, Spurs struck again. In the 34th minute, Porro turned provider for a second time. His long diagonal pass was expertly brought down by Maddison, whose mishit finish wrong-footed goalkeeper Nikita Haikin and rolled into the far corner to make it 2-0.
Maddison doubles it for Spurs pic.twitter.com/nMW75O5bRX
— Ken (@CFCKen_) May 1, 2025
It was a deserved reward for Tottenham’s attacking intent, and the scoreline could have been worse for Glimt had Haikin not denied Rodrigo Bentancur’s superb volley with a fingertip save just before half-time. The Norwegian side did have one opportunity to pull a goal back in stoppage time, but Ole Didrik Blomberg’s flicked effort sailed over the bar.
Solanke Adds a Third from the Spot
Spurs continued their dominance into the second half and were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute. Glimt defender Fredrik Sjovold clumsily caught Romero with a mistimed clearance, prompting a VAR review that confirmed the spot-kick.
Solanke penalty pic.twitter.com/irNElwDvqV
— Ken (@CFCKen_) May 1, 2025
Dominic Solanke, who has quickly become a key figure under Ange Postecoglou, stepped up and calmly rolled the ball into the net to extend Tottenham’s lead to 3-0.
Unfortunately for Spurs, the celebrations were tempered moments later when both Maddison and Solanke limped off. While neither injury appeared severe, fans will be hoping their departures were just precautionary ahead of the second leg.
Late Blow Gives Glimt Hope
Just when it seemed like Spurs would cruise to a clean sheet, Ulrik Saltnes grabbed a lifeline for the visitors in the 83rd minute. The Glimt captain found space in the box and fired a shot that took a heavy deflection off Bentancur, wrong-footing Guglielmo Vicario and nestling in the back of the net.
It was Glimt’s only shot on target and served as a reminder that the tie isn’t over yet, especially considering the Norwegians’ impressive home form. While they’ve lost all three away knockout ties this season, they’ve also won all three home legs.
Maddison Shines in a Star Role
Despite limping off late, James Maddison was named Flashscore’s Man of the Match for his brilliant display. The England international dictated the tempo, contributed a goal, and linked up superbly with Spurs’ attacking trio. His vision and creativity unlocked Glimt’s defense on multiple occasions, while his positioning allowed Spurs to dominate the midfield.
All Eyes on the Second Leg
Tottenham will now travel to Norway with a 3-1 advantage and confidence soaring. Postecoglou’s men know they are 90 minutes away from reaching a major European final—a feat the club hasn’t achieved since their Champions League run in 2019.
With a two-goal cushion, a record-breaking home streak intact, and standout performances from key players, Spurs fans have every reason to dream. However, they’ll also be wary of Glimt’s home resilience and know the job is only halfway done.
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