The Daily Star Lebanon Breaking News, Lebanon News, Middle East News & World News
The second leg of the Europa League semi-final between FK Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur is set to take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Aspmyra Stadion in Bodø, Norway. Tottenham arrive with a 3-1 lead from the first leg, but they will need to stay focused against a Bodø/Glimt side known for its strong performances at home. The winner will move on to the tournament final, scheduled to be held at a neutral venue later this month.
Tottenham Overview
Tottenham Hotspur enter this crucial encounter with a two-goal cushion, having secured a 3-1 victory in London during the first leg. Their journey through this season’s Europa League has been largely consistent, highlighted by tactical flexibility and an efficient attack. Spurs finished fourth overall in the group phase with 17 points, collecting five wins, two draws, and a single loss.
Across the competition so far, they have tallied eight wins, three draws, and two defeats, with a positive goal difference thanks to 25 goals scored and only 13 conceded. Despite this record, their form in recent domestic and continental fixtures has been less convincing. In their last five matches across all competitions, they have suffered three defeats alongside two wins. This inconsistency may encourage Bodø/Glimt as they attempt to mount a comeback.
Manager Ange Postecoglou has encouraged a dynamic style of play, emphasizing forward momentum and quick transitions. His experience will be vital as Tottenham look to manage the game in a hostile environment while trying to limit risk and capitalize on counterattacks.
Bodø/Glimt Overview
The Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt has already exceeded expectations in this year’s Europa League. Their campaign has featured standout performances against more favored opposition, earning them respect across Europe. They advanced to the knockout rounds after finishing ninth in the group stage rankings with 14 points.
Over the course of the competition, Bodø/Glimt have posted eight wins, two draws, and five losses, scoring 28 goals while conceding 23. Their home record at the Aspmyra Stadion has been particularly impressive, and they will be relying on this form to push Tottenham in front of their own fans.
Bodø/Glimt’s recent performances suggest they are in solid form. In their last five games in all competitions, they have recorded three wins, one draw, and one defeat. Despite the setback in the first leg, they have shown resilience throughout this campaign and will look to press high and attack from the start.
Head-to-Head and Tactical Outlook
The first leg of this tie marked the first-ever competitive meeting between Tottenham and Bodø/Glimt. The 3-1 result gave Spurs a critical edge, but also showed that the Norwegian club is capable of finding the net against elite opposition.
Heading into the return leg, both sides are expected to adopt aggressive tactics. Bodø/Glimt will need at least two goals to force extra time and three to win outright. Tottenham, on the other hand, may adopt a more measured approach, focused on absorbing pressure and hitting on the break.
Key players to watch include Tottenham’s attacking trio, who have been instrumental in their goal-scoring success, and Bodø/Glimt’s midfield engine, which has driven their quick transitions and offensive shape.
Latest Form and Team News
Tottenham’s recent results show a team under some strain. Their last five matches include three losses and two wins. While their win in the first leg displayed clinical finishing, maintaining composure away from home remains a challenge they must overcome.
Bodø/Glimt are entering this match with greater confidence, having won three of their last five fixtures. Their home ground has proven to be a difficult venue for visiting teams, and they’ll look to harness that energy to create an early breakthrough.
In terms of squad fitness, both teams are expected to field near full-strength lineups. There have been no significant new injuries reported for either side ahead of the second leg.
Betting Preview and Predictions
According to the latest odds from leading bookmakers:
For the “Both Teams to Score” market:
- YES: 1.50
- NO: 2.57
Given Tottenham’s advantage and both teams’ attacking tendencies, betting on both teams to score appears to be a strong option. A handicap bet on Tottenham could offer value for bettors seeking higher returns. However, the safest prediction remains a draw or narrow loss for Tottenham, which would still see them advance on aggregate.
Prediction
Tottenham travel to Norway with a clear goal: protect their lead and secure a place in the Europa League final. Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, will be driven by pride, ambition, and the backing of a passionate home crowd as they try to overturn a two-goal deficit.
While Spurs’ pedigree and attacking power make them favorites to progress, the resilience and home form of Bodø/Glimt should not be underestimated. The match is expected to be open and intense, with early goals likely to influence the overall tempo.
Prediction: FK Bodø/Glimt 2:2 Tottenham Hotspur
