Tottenham Hotspur 3 – 1 Bodo/Glimt
LONDON – Ange Postecoglou is confident that his Tottenham Hotspur team is in a strong position to reach the Europa League final after a 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in Thursday’s first leg. He pointed out, however, that the final score didn’t fully reflect his team’s dominance on the field.
With goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and a Dominic Solanke penalty, Spurs have set themselves up well for the second leg. However, a late goal from Ulrik Saltnes gives Bodo/Glimt a glimmer of hope as they prepare to host Spurs next week.
Despite injuries to Maddison and Solanke, who were substituted in the second half, Postecoglou remains optimistic. Early assessments suggest the injuries are not serious.
It was a positive night for Postecoglou, especially considering Tottenham’s struggles in the Premier League, where they are currently 16th. The victory provides Spurs with a chance to finish the season on a high.
Postecoglou spoke after the match, saying, “It puts us in a good position. The players were outstanding. Our performance was exactly what we needed: well-organized defensively, calm going forward, creating good opportunities, and maintaining pressure.”
“Although they scored late, it doesn’t reflect our dominance. If we play like this again next week, we’ll be fine.”
Postecoglou made a few adjustments to his starting lineup, playing Richarlison on the left wing and bringing in Yves Bissouma for the injured Lucas Bergvall, who hurt his ankle in training on Wednesday.
The Spurs manager didn’t provide a clear update on Bergvall’s injury, noting they would assess it in a few days. Maddison and Solanke were also substituted due to injuries during the match.
“[Maddison] felt a tweak in his knee, but it doesn’t seem serious. Dom felt something in his quad, but again, it’s not significant,” Postecoglou explained. “It was just wise to take them off at that point.”
Next week, Spurs will travel to Bodo/Glimt’s ground in the Arctic Circle, where they’ll play on the Norwegian side’s artificial pitch.
“Look, it’s artificial grass, but it’s still football,” Postecoglou said. “I know what to expect. We need to repeat what we did today. No matter the surface, if we’re organized with and without the ball, it’ll be difficult for them to stop us.”
Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen believes the late goal gives his side a real chance to advance to the final. “The goal is really important,” Knutsen said. “Tottenham were visibly disappointed when they conceded, and that gave us a boost of energy.”
“If you ask me, we should have gone for a second goal. We can take that momentum into the next game, and playing at home will make a difference.”
