Match Report: Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham: Europa League final qualification

Tottenham Hotspur secured a place in the final of the Europa League as they beat Bodo/Glimt 2-0 away (5-1 on aggregate) where their English counterparts Manchester United wait in Bilbao.

Tottenham Hotspur came to Norway leading 3-1 on aggregate from the first leg, where a tie or even their usual one-goal defeat would’ve done the job. But it was a proper European performance from the North Londoners who kept their nerve, their shape, and most importantly, a clean sheet. Now, they stand one match away from European glory.

Ange Postecoglou named an unchanged lineup from the first leg except for James Maddison, who picked up a season-ending injury in the first leg. A huge blow for Spurs, but Dejan Kulusevski filled in and while he didn’t quite offer the same flair, he got the job done.

First half: Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur

The plan was simple. No risky build-up play, no chaotic charges forward. Spurs had a lead, and they intended to protect it.

The first real chance fell to the visitors. Rodrigo Bentancur cut out a Bodo clearance and fired a first-time ball across goal to Richarlison, who couldn’t quite sort his feet out. His scuffed effort was deflected and eventually dealt with.

Bodo then responded with a volley into the side netting from Blomberg, before both sides exchanged a couple of transition-heavy attacks. On one such move, Pedro Porro found Richarlison, who released Destiny Udogie. The Italian’s low cross was touched just wide by the goalkeeper before it could reach Brennan Johnson, who was lurking for a classic far-post tap-in.

Porro then came close himself with a wicked free-kick from just outside the box, but Haikin acrobatically pushed it over the bar.

Bodo/Glimt also threatened from set pieces, with captain Patrick Berg’s curling effort was saved by a full-stretched Vicario.

The Norwegian side upped their intensity as the half wore on. Hauge’s cut-back nearly found their No.9 but the header lacked control. Berg then picked Bissouma’s clearrance and attempted a hopeful chip from distance, which Vicario gathered just in time.

Spurs nearly capped the half with a screamer from Yves Bissouma, who tried his Everton-esque volley from a corner, but the strike didn’t trouble the target.

At the break, Spurs had just 33% of the ball and only 0.25 xG, but crucially, still held their 3-1 lead. (FotMob)

It was a boring half in the best way possible. Spurs were 45 minutes away from Bilbao, and they were doing exactly what was needed.

Second half: Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

If ever there was a night for Ange to pick up his first goalless draw as Spurs boss, this was it. And it looked that way for a bit.

Bodo manager Kjetil Knutsen clearly had a word with his Bodo players at the break, and they came flying out, spamming the Tottenham box with crosses. But Spurs dug deep.

Richarlison played Solanke through on the counter, but the shot was deflected wide. Udogie’s overlap was then wasted when Richarlison’s tame effort was blocked.

Bodo’s golden moment came when Bjorkan’s teasing cross looked destined for Hogh, but Udogie threw himself in the way with a heroic clearance.

Spurs managed to take the lead just past the hour mark. Cristian Romero rose highest to meet Mathys Tel‘s deep corner and nodded it down for Solanke, who poked home to put Spurs 4-1 up on aggregate. One foot firmly in Bilbao.

Six minutes later, the other foot joined it in the most bizarre way.

Kulusevski teed up Porro on the right flank from a counter. The Spaniard meant to cross, but as fate would have it, his effort looped perfectly over Haikin, hit the far post, and into the top corner. 2-0 on the night. 5-1 on aggregate.

From there on, it was a shutout. Spurs sat deep, cleared long, and waited. Sorli found space for a rocket from 20 yards, but Vicario got its hold.

In stoppage time, Bodo thought they had a penalty after Sorli went down under Porro’s challenge. But VAR showed Porro’s inch-perfect tackle, and the decision was overturned.

Seconds later, the full-time whistle blew. Spurs were through.

FULL-TIME: BODO/GLIMT 0-2 TOTTENHAM (1-5 ON AGGREGATE)

Spurs Web Man of the Match: Pedro Porro

What’s next for Spurs?

What a night it was for Spurs fans and the players. The green shirt fully lived up to its European legacy.

Credit where it’s due- Yves Bissouma and Bentancur were relentless and never during the game did they switch off. The centre-backs? Colossal. Romero and Micky van de Ven were everywhere. In fact, every single Spurs player rose to the occasion.

And let’s not forget the manager. This season has been a learning curve for Ange Postecoglou too. The beautiful football is still there, but now Spurs know how to win ugly too. That blend has taken them all the way to the Europa League final; something, dare I say, Spursy in the best way possible.”

Now, they stand one win away from ending a 17-year wait. Tottenham Hotspur will play Manchester United on the 20th of May in the finals of the UEFA Europa League.

Next up, it’s back to N17 for domestic duties as Spurs host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Up the Spurs.

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