Bodo/Glimt have been handed a significant advantage as they prepare for their highly anticipated UEFA Europa League semi-final clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The first leg is set to take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, May 1, marking a major European night for both sides as they battle for a spot in the final.
Tottenham, managed by Ange Postecoglou, booked their place in the last four after a tightly contested quarter-final tie against Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. The north London outfit drew 1-1 at home in the first leg, before clinching a 2-1 aggregate victory thanks to a decisive strike from Dominic Solanke at the Deutsche Bank Park. The English striker’s goal proved to be the turning point in what was otherwise a tense encounter.
On the other side of the bracket, Bodo/Glimt’s route to the semi-final was no less dramatic. The Norwegian side pulled off a stunning 2-0 win against Italian heavyweights Lazio in the first leg on home soil, only to fall 3-1 in the return leg at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. With the aggregate score tied, the tie was forced into extra time and eventually penalties. Under immense pressure, Kjetil Knutsen’s men held their nerve and triumphed 3-2 in the shootout, sparking jubilant scenes and earning them a shot at further European glory.
Ahead of their upcoming meeting with Spurs, Bodo/Glimt have been given a well-timed breather by the Norwegian football authorities. Two of their Eliteserien fixtures have been rescheduled to allow the team more recovery and preparation time. Their match against Fredrikstad, initially penciled in for Thursday, May 1, has now been moved to Wednesday, July 16. Additionally, their league game against Strømsgodset has been pushed back from Saturday, May 10, to Wednesday, July 30.
These scheduling changes mean that Bodo/Glimt will avoid playing any domestic matches between the two legs of their Europa League semi-final, granting them a full week of rest and training. In contrast, Tottenham will have to navigate a congested schedule, with a crucial Premier League fixture away at West Ham United on Sunday, May 4, wedged between the two European ties.
This disparity in preparation time could prove pivotal in the outcome of the semi-final, potentially giving the Norwegian side a physical and tactical edge over their Premier League opponents.
In the aftermath of Spurs’ quarter-final victory, manager Ange Postecoglou spoke candidly to reporters about the challenges of balancing domestic and European competitions. “We know the demands of European football,” he said. “Regardless of the competition, both the Europa League and Champions League take a toll on clubs. It’s not just us—every team involved feels it.”
Postecoglou continued: “With the additional European fixtures now a regular feature, the strain on the squad intensifies. It affects not just the number of players you need, but the type of players you need. Still, it doesn’t change our direction. We’re building something exciting here with a young, energetic squad, and we’re committed to improving.”
The Australian coach also addressed the injury challenges Tottenham have faced this season and how those setbacks have tested the squad’s depth. “We’ve had to navigate a number of injuries and the added burden of competing on multiple fronts. But I think we’re in a better place now to handle it, especially if we’re in Europe again next season,” he said.
Reflecting on the victory over Frankfurt, Postecoglou praised his team’s resilience and adaptability. “We’ve shown throughout the season that we can perform on the road. Some of our best results—against Manchester City, Manchester United, Brentford—have come away from home. It’s a testament to the character of the team.”
He also took the opportunity to address critics of his tactical approach. “There’s a narrative out there that I’m a one-trick pony, that I only play one way. But matches like these show the flexibility we have. We adapted, we overcame a tough opponent, and we deserved to go through.”
Postecoglou concluded with a nod to what lies ahead: “Getting to the semi-final is a huge step. It puts us just two games away from a European final. That’s a massive motivation for the players and the club. Maybe this was the defining moment of our season—but we’ll only know that when it’s all said and done.”
As both sides prepare for what promises to be an electrifying semi-final, all eyes will be on north London for the first leg on May 1, with the return match taking place in Norway on May 8. With Bodo/Glimt well-rested and Tottenham juggling multiple competitions, the stage is set for a fascinating clash between two teams dreaming of continental silverware.
Bodo/Glimt recieves major news with a BIG Europa League semi-final advantage vs Tottenham after major announcement
