- Date: Thursday, 1 May 2025
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
- Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt (UEFA Europa League Semi-final, First Leg)
Match Preview
Tottenham Hotspur welcome Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt to North London for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final, a historic meeting between these two clubs. Spurs, under Ange Postecoglou, are aiming to reach their first European final in six years, while Bodø/Glimt are already making history as the first Norwegian side to reach this stage of the competition. The atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is expected to be electric, with both sets of fans dreaming of continental glory.
Tottenham’s route to the semi-final has been impressive, especially in Europe, where they’ve shown resilience and attacking flair. They edged past Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, with Dominic Solanke’s penalty proving decisive. However, their domestic form has been inconsistent, as highlighted by a heavy 5-1 defeat at Liverpool last weekend, a match where Postecoglou rotated his squad. Injuries have played a part: Radu Dragusin is out for the season with an ACL injury, and captain Son Heung-min remains a major doubt due to a persistent foot problem that has sidelined him for several matches. James Maddison, who picked up a knock recently, is expected to feature, but his fitness will be closely monitored. There are no suspensions for Spurs in this tie.
Bodø/Glimt, led by Kjetil Knutsen, arrive in London full of confidence after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Lazio in Rome, making them the first Norwegian side to reach a European semi-final. Domestically, they are unbeaten in the early stages of the Eliteserien season, having won their opening two matches without conceding a goal. In Europe, their home form has been formidable, but their away record is less convincing-losing all three away knockout matches in this campaign, including defeats at FC Twente, Olympiacos, and Lazio. This away-day vulnerability is something Spurs will look to exploit in the first leg.
Both teams boast attacking threats. Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke has been a key figure in Europe, with three goals and four assists in ten Europa League appearances. Should Son Heung-min be fit enough to feature, his experience and quality could be decisive, but the burden may fall on the likes of Maddison, Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson to provide the creative spark. At the back, the presence of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will be crucial to keep Bodø/Glimt’s lively attack at bay.
For Bodø/Glimt, Danish striker Kasper Høgh is the Europa League’s joint top scorer with seven goals and will be the main threat up front. Support comes from Jens Petter Hauge and Patrick Berg, both of whom have been instrumental in creating chances and scoring key goals throughout their European run. The Norwegian side’s collective spirit and tactical discipline have been their trademarks, and they will be determined to keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg in Norway.
Key Players
Tottenham Hotspur
- Dominic Solanke: The main goal threat, especially with Son’s fitness in doubt.
- James Maddison: Creative force in midfield, expected to play a key role if fully fit.
- Cristian Romero: Defensive anchor needed to stop Bodø/Glimt’s counter-attacks.
Bodø/Glimt
- Kasper Høgh: Leading scorer in the competition, clinical in front of goal.
- Jens Petter Hauge: Creative winger with an eye for goal and assists.
- Patrick Berg: Midfield engine, vital in both defense and attack.
Prediction
Tottenham are clear favourites at home, especially given Bodø/Glimt’s struggles on the road in Europe this season. The Premier League side’s superior squad depth and attacking options should see them take a first-leg advantage, but Bodø/Glimt have shown they can spring surprises if underestimated. Expect Spurs to control possession and create more chances, but Bodø/Glimt’s quick transitions and set-piece threat could see them grab an away goal.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Bodø/Glimt
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Odds (Fractional) | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Tottenham to win | 1/4 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 11/2 | Bet Now |
| Bodø/Glimt to win | 10/1 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | 20/21 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1/2 | Bet Now |
| Tottenham -1 Handicap | 8/11 | Bet Now |
| Dominic Solanke Anytime Scorer | 5/6 | Bet Now |
| Kasper Høgh Anytime Scorer | 5/2 | Bet Now |
Odds are approximate and may vary between bookmakers.
This semi-final promises drama, goals, and a fascinating tactical battle-don’t miss it!
