Tottenham Hotspur clinched their place in the Europa League final on Thursday night with a composed and professional 2-0 victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, completing a 5-1 aggregate triumph across both legs. The north London outfit entered the second leg in a commanding position following a 3-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and they sealed the job in style on a cold evening in Norway.
Despite a goalless opening 45 minutes at Aspmyra Stadion, Spurs remained in control throughout the match, showing discipline, structure, and flashes of attacking flair. Their patience was rewarded just after the hour mark when striker Dominic Solanke, continuing his impressive run of form, found the back of the net with a close-range finish following a slick attacking move. The breakthrough goal effectively crushed Bodo/Glimt’s hopes of a comeback and silenced the home crowd.
Minutes later, Spurs doubled their lead in spectacular fashion. Right-back Pedro Porro, pushing high up the pitch, delivered a dangerous cross that unexpectedly looped over Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin and nestled perfectly into the top corner. While it may have had an element of fortune, the goal encapsulated Tottenham’s dominance and determination to reach the final.
With a healthy aggregate lead, Tottenham comfortably managed the remaining minutes of the match, keeping possession and nullifying any threat from the hosts. The full-time whistle confirmed their place in the Europa League final, where they will meet domestic rivals Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21—a golden opportunity to end their 17-year trophy drought.
Postecoglou’s Stirring Post-Match Message Inspires Players and Fans Alike
Following the final whistle, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou delivered a passionate and heartfelt speech in the dressing room that quickly went viral among the Tottenham fanbase. The Australian manager, who has won admiration for his leadership and authenticity since arriving at the club, praised his squad for their unity and resilience through a challenging season.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again,” Postecoglou began. “What you as a group—players and staff—have been through this year is remarkable. I’ve been in this game a long time and seen a lot, but I couldn’t be prouder of the way you’ve stuck together. There was never a moment when I felt you stopped believing in what we’re building. That’s what makes this so special.”
He went on to acknowledge the contributions of players who were not present on the night but played vital roles throughout the campaign. “There are people not here with us tonight—Fraser [Forster], Sonny [Son Heung-min], Madders [James Maddison], Lucas [Lucas Bergvall], Radu [Radu Drăgușin]—every single one of them has played a part in getting us to this point. This has been a team effort from day one.”
Postecoglou emphasized the importance of the remaining days leading up to the final. “We’ve got just under two weeks now. Every day counts. Every training session is a step towards that final.
You have a chance to do something that people will talk about for years. Look at those 400 fans who travelled here—they’ll never forget this. And there are thousands more back home who believe in you.”
His words struck a chord not just with his players, but with the supporters as well. One fan wrote online, “That speech and his body language gave me chills. The players must be so motivated now.” Another added, “Genuinely made me tear up. Love this club and love this gaffer.”
A Shot at Glory Awaits
Tottenham now shift their focus to the showdown with Manchester United in Bilbao, a match that could end the club’s long wait for silverware. The signs are encouraging—Spurs have already beaten United three times during the 2024/25 season and will approach the final with confidence and momentum.
With Postecoglou at the helm and a squad brimming with belief, unity, and hunger, Spurs fans dare to dream. May 21 could mark a new chapter in the club’s modern history—one defined not by near misses, but by triumph.
