Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Spurs have one foot in Europa League final despite late scare
Tottenham 3-1 Bodo/Glimt: Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke have Spurs dreaming of a first trophy since 2008
Tottenham defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1 to take control of the Europa League semi-finals and move a step closer to ending their 17-year trophy drought.
Brennan Johnson opened after just 41 seconds and James Maddison scored a magnificent second, controlling Pedro Porro’s long pass and finishing, as Ange Postecoglou’s side dominated the first half.
Dominic Solanke’s penalty on the hour-mark put Spurs in a commanding position, but Bodo captain Ulrik Saltnes pulled one back late on to offer the Norwegian champions some hope ahead of next week’s return leg.
Bodo are still huge underdogs but they knocked out Italian side Lazio in the quarter-finals and will have home advantage on their next week as they return to their home inside the Arctic Circle.
And a potential Tottenham-Manchester United final moved a step closer too after Ruben Amorim’s side won 3-0 at Athletic Bilbao ahead of next week’s return leg at Old Trafford.
Follow reaction from Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final below
Ange Postecoglou rejects criticism of Tottenham's Europa League run
“I’ve seen people trying to diminish it in some respect. I’ve heard people say, ‘well it’s the equivalent of Man United winning the FA Cup’. No it ain’t. I’m sorry. Not on any world is it the equivalent.
“Others are suggesting we are not worthy of the Champions League. Again, things that are designed to diminish what’s ahead of us, which is an unbelievable opportunity. Irrespective of how this season has gone we have generations of fans who want this more than anything else, a special moment watching this football club.
“Look, this season could have gone very differently and we could be flying in the league but it wouldn’t make this opportunity any different. The opportunity is the same and I’ve made that clear to the players. What we have before us is a semi-final in a European competition and the opportunity to win a trophy and get Champions League football.”
Ange Postecoglou rejects Erik ten Hag comparisons as Tottenham eye Europa League
Ange Postecoglou has hit back at people who he says are trying to “diminish” Tottenham’s bid to reach the Europa League final and rejected comparisons with Erik ten Hag winning the FA Cup with Manchester United last season.
Spurs face Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals and will host the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night as they look to reach a European final and win their first trophy since 2008.
Postecoglou is under pressure as a result of Tottenham’s poor Premier League campaign, with Spurs 16th and Sunday’s 5-1 defeat at Liverpool their 19th of the league season, but said the club have an “unbelievable opportunity” in Europe.
Ange Postecoglou rejects Erik ten Hag comparisons as Tottenham eye Europa League
Son Heung Min to miss Europa League semi-final first leg
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min missed training ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt.
Son has not featured for Spurs since a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on April 10 due to a foot injury, but head coach Ange Postecoglou expressed hope last week that the South Korea forward could return for the visit of Bodo.
The absence of Son from training the day before the last-four first leg makes the 32-year-old a serious doubt to play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he could even struggle to make the return encounter in Norway next week.
Son has scored 11 goals in 43 appearances this season, but none from open play since January 23 – a run of 15 club matches.
What is the team news?
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min remains out with a foot injury and he will play no part in the first leg. A much-changed Spurs side lost 5-1 at Anfield and Postecoglou is likely to revert to a stronger team, with Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski to be recalled.
Bodo/Glimt will be without captain Patrick Berg, who is suspended alongside Hakon Evjen and Andreas Helmersen. Centre-back Odin Bjortuft could miss out due to injury.
When is Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt?
The Europa League semi-final first leg will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday 1 May. Kick-off is at 8pm BST.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage getting underway from 7pm. Subscribers can also stream the match live on Discovery+.
Good evening
Tottenham Hotspur continue their quest for a first major trophy in 17 years as they host underdogs Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final first leg.
Ange Postecoglou’s side lost for the 19th time in the Premier League this season with a 5-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday but the club is focused on Europe.
And success in the Europa League would make up for a hugely disappointing campaign, with Spurs showing steel to defeat Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.
Bodo/Glimt are the surprise package, with the Norwegian champions defying expectations to knock out Lazio in the quarter-finals.
It could be very difficult for Tottenham next week as Postecoglou’s side face a trip to the Arctic Circle, so seizing home advantage will be vital.
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