Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt Report

Scorers: Johnson 1’, Maddison 34’, Solanke 61’ (P); Saltnes 83’

Tottenham Hotspur took a major step towards a place in the UEFA Europa League final with a commanding 3-1 first-leg victory over FK Bodø/Glimt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke ensured Spurs continued their impressive European home record, although a late deflected strike gave the Norwegian champions a lifeline ahead of the second leg.

First Half – Johnson and Maddison Fire Spurs Ahead

Spurs made a dream start, scoring after just 38 seconds. Yves Bissouma won the ball back in midfield, and Pedro Porro’s deep cross was met by Richarlison, who headed back across goal for Brennan Johnson to nod in from close range. The hosts were rampant early on, with James Maddison volleying over minutes later from Cristian Romero’s long pass.

Glimt struggled to settle, with a speculative penalty appeal waved away after Isak Dybvik Määttä was challenged by Maddison and Destiny Udogie. Spurs doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark through Maddison, who latched onto another Porro delivery. The England international’s scuffed effort wrong-footed goalkeeper Nikita Haikin to nestle in the far corner. Rodrigo Bentancur almost made it three with a volley that was acrobatically saved, while Ole Didrik Blomberg missed the visitors’ best first-half opportunity with a wayward flick in stoppage time.

Second Half – Solanke Scores Before Late Glimt Response

The second half saw Spurs continue to dominate, and they were gifted a penalty shortly before the hour mark. Fredrik Sjøvold’s mistimed clearance caught Romero in the box, and after a quick VAR review, the referee awarded the spot-kick. Solanke coolly converted, sending Haikin the wrong way to make it 3-0.

However, the celebrations were tempered by the sight of both Maddison and Solanke limping off, with manager Ange Postecoglou hopeful their withdrawals were precautionary. The evening ended on a sour note for Spurs as Glimt pulled one back in the 83rd minute. Ulrik Saltnes found space inside the area, and his shot deflected heavily off Bentancur to wrong-foot Sánchez and give the visitors a crucial away goal.

What It Means

Spurs will take a two-goal cushion to Norway, but FK Bodø/Glimt will take heart from their flawless home record in this season’s knockout rounds. A strong start in the second leg will be vital for Postecoglou’s men if they are to avoid a tense finish.

Key Stats

• Tottenham are now unbeaten in 19 home European matches (W14, D5).
• Brennan Johnson scored his first European goal for Spurs.
• FK Bodø/Glimt have lost all three away legs in the 2024/25 knockout rounds, but won all three home legs.
• James Maddison has four goal involvements in his last three Europa League appearances (2 goals, 2 assists).

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Tottenham vs Bodø/Glimt | UEFA Europa League 2024/25