Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Bodo/Glimt player ratings: 8.5/10 Spurs ace delivers the goods for Ange
Tottenham Hotspur earned a commanding 3-1 win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final clash, though Ange Postecoglou’s side may be left ruing a late defensive lapse that gives their opponents a glimmer of hope heading into the return leg.
Spurs made a lightning-fast start to the game, delighting the home crowd by taking the lead inside the opening minute. Brennan Johnson was on hand to head home after a smart passage of play. The move began with right-back Pedro Porro, who found a pocket of space down the flank and whipped in a pinpoint cross. Richarlison met the ball with a powerful header across the face of goal, and Johnson timed his run perfectly to nod the ball into the net from close range.
The early goal could have spelled disaster for the visitors, but Bodo/Glimt managed to steady themselves after that initial blow. Despite missing their influential midfielder Patrick Berg, who was suspended for this match, the Norwegian outfit remained compact and disciplined for much of the first half. However, their resistance was eventually broken again before the break.
In the 34th minute, Spurs doubled their lead in stylish fashion. Porro again played a key role, delivering a brilliantly weighted long ball from deep that carved open the Bodo/Glimt backline. James Maddison controlled the pass with finesse and, despite his shot lacking power, he managed to squeeze it into the bottom corner to give Spurs a deserved two-goal cushion at half-time.
After the interval, Tottenham’s intensity dropped slightly, but they remained in control. That control paid dividends just before the hour mark when a VAR review confirmed a handball in the penalty area, awarding the hosts a spot-kick. Dominic Solanke confidently stepped up and dispatched the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 3-0. At that stage, it seemed Spurs had one foot in the final.
However, Bodo/Glimt refused to go down without a fight. With just seven minutes remaining, Ulrik Saltnes found himself unmarked inside the box and slotted the ball past Guglielmo Vicario to pull one back for the visitors. The goal, though seemingly minor in the context of the scoreline, could prove crucial in the second leg.
Spurs Player Ratings and Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Guglielmo Vicario – 6/10
A relatively quiet evening for the Italian shot-stopper. Was largely a spectator but could do little about Saltnes’ goal late on.
RB: Pedro Porro – 8/10
Highly influential on the right flank. Provided two key passes that led to goals and was a consistent threat with his forward play.
CB: Cristian Romero – 6.5/10
Solid if unspectacular. The Argentine defender wasn’t tested much but maintained focus throughout.
CB: Micky van de Ven – 6/10
Like Romero, he had a calm night, dealing comfortably with the limited attacking threat posed by Bodo/Glimt.
LB: Destiny Udogie – 6.5/10
Energetic in the first half and showed composure defensively in the second. Balanced his attacking and defensive duties well.
RM: Yves Bissouma – 6/10
Kept things tidy in midfield but could have done more to capitalize on Spurs’ early dominance.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – 7/10
A composed performance in midfield. Showed excellent control and was unlucky not to score with a well-struck effort that was expertly saved.
LM: James Maddison – 8.5/10 – Player of the Match
Continued his excellent form with a performance full of creativity and intent. His goal capped off a fine display in which he constantly troubled the opposition.
RW: Brennan Johnson – 6.5/10
Scored the opener with a smart header and provided energy on the wing, although he faded slightly in the second half.
CF: Dominic Solanke – 7/10
Led the line well, showed great composure from the penalty spot, and linked up nicely with the midfield.
LW: Richarlison – 6.5/10
Assisted the opening goal with a clever header across goal. Substituted at half-time, likely as a precaution.
Substitutes:
Mathys Tel – 6/10
Came on at the break but had limited influence as the tempo slowed in the second half.
Dejan Kulusevski – 6/10
Introduced with 30 minutes remaining. Added some flair but wasn’t heavily involved.
Wilson Odobert – 6/10
Brought on late to provide fresh legs and protect Spurs’ lead.
With a two-goal lead going into the second leg, Tottenham are in a strong position to reach the Europa League final. However, the late goal by Saltnes ensures that the tie is not yet over, and Postecoglou’s men will need to maintain focus and discipline in Norway to finish the job.