Dominant Tottenham performance provides insurance in European semi-final | OneFootball

It’s been a while since Tottenham have last played in a European semi-final. The last time the English side were in such a place was back in 2019 when they beat Ajax to advance to the Champions League final. Despite the six-year wait, Spurs outclassed Bodø/Glimt 3-1 inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, giving them one foot into the Europa League final.

Tottenham celebrating a goal against Bodø/Glimt | BEN STANSALL/GettyImages

The goals came very early on in the game for Spurs. Tottenham won the ball just six seconds in, and immediately broke forward. Less than 30 seconds later, Brennan Johnson fired the first goal in after a brilliant Richarlison header found the Welshman in behind the defense. The goal is only the second time in their history that they have scored within the first minute of a European match, with the first time being against Rapid Bucharest back in 1971.

Spurs would pile on some insurance goals later on in the match. A beautiful ball over the top found the feet of James Maddison, whose close control was followed up with a composed finish, doubling the lead. The lead became three when Christian Romero went down in the penalty area after a controversial decision. Bodø/Glimt’s Fredrik Sjøvold was up in the air trying to clear the ball, inadvertently kicking the shin of Romero, which was called a penalty. Dominic Solanke coolly put the ball past goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, putting Tottenham out of sight, but only for a little while.

Dominic Solanke after scoring an important third goal for Spurs - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg | Sports Press Photo/GettyImages

The Norwegians would grab a goal back late on. Bodo can feel very lucky, as the goal from Ulrik Saltnes was the only shot on the goal that they recorded all game. After some quick interplay down the left side, the midfielder fired a shot which found the back of the net after a deflection from Rodrigo Bentancur. Even though the match finished 3-1 to Tottenham, Bodø/Glimt are far from out of the competition. Playing away in Norway has been no easy task for anyone this season. The Norwegian side are unbeaten in their last five home games, with an aggregate score of 15-4. They have also beaten sides such as Porto, Beşiktaş, Lazio, and Olympiacos at home this year.

The Bodo/Glimt away end celebrating an important goal- UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg | Richard Heathcote/GettyImages

While this result is one that Spurs should be very happy about, there is no doubt that this semi-final is far from decided. The second leg in the arctic circle will prove to be no easy task for Tottenham, who are trying to reach just their fifth ever European final.