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Bodø/Glimt’s rise over the past few years has been one of European football’s most intriguing stories. Once seen as a domestic outsider, the Norwegian club has developed into a consistent force both at home and abroad. Their memorable Europa League run last season ended in the semi-finals at the hands of Tottenham, but it confirmed their ability to compete with Europe’s elite.
This season, Bodø/Glimt is back on the continental stage, aiming to leave a mark in the Champions League. They began their campaign with an encouraging 2-2 draw away at Slavia Prague, showing resilience in a tough away setting. Domestically, they remain the dominant side in Norway, having won four of the last five league titles and currently sitting top of the Eliteserien with only eight matches left to play. Patrick Berg, the former Lens midfielder, continues to be a key figure in this title push.
Tottenham’s New Era Under Thomas Frank
Tottenham, on the other hand, endured a turbulent Premier League campaign last season, finishing a disappointing 17th. Their saving grace was triumph in the Europa League, which secured their place in this year’s Champions League. Over the summer, the club’s board handed the reins to Thomas Frank, formerly of Brentford, who has already managed to bring stability and renewed belief to North London.
The early signs are promising. Spurs sit third in the Premier League and look capable of challenging for a top-four finish. Their domestic form has been strong, including a convincing 3-0 win at West Ham, a 2-2 draw at Brighton, and a recent home clash with bottom-placed Wolverhampton. In Europe, they opened with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Villarreal, giving Frank the perfect start to their group-stage journey.
Team News and Key Players
Bodø/Glimt will be without several important names. Defender Gundersen, midfielder Ulrik Saltnes (7 goals, 4 assists this season), and Riisnæs are all sidelined. The attack has also been hit, with Blomberg (5 goals, 3 assists) and Brynhildsen unavailable. Still, the squad boasts quality in the final third: Danish forward Högh, who has already scored 16 goals and provided 5 assists this season, is expected to lead the line, supported by winger Jens Petter Hauge (6 goals, 3 assists). Berg will anchor the midfield, offering both creativity and balance.
Tottenham also have their share of absentees. Key striker Dominic Solanke and summer signing Takai are not fully fit, while defender Dragusin, midfielder Yves Bissouma, and playmaker James Maddison remain sidelined. Dejan Kulusevski and youngster Tel were not registered for the Champions League squad. Despite this, Spurs’ attack looks dangerous. Richarlison has started the season strongly with three goals in the Premier League, while new arrivals Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons are already making their presence felt. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven provide stability in central defense.
What to Expect
Both teams come into this clash with attacking confidence. Bodø/Glimt have been prolific in front of goal, scoring in each of their last 22 matches in all competitions, and they have been particularly strong starters, netting the opening goal in all of those games. They have also been resilient away from home, unbeaten in their last eight matches on the road.
Tottenham, meanwhile, carry greater squad depth and Champions League experience. Their balance under Thomas Frank suggests they can grind out results even in tricky fixtures. With the likes of Richarlison, Kudus, and Simons combining in attack, Spurs are expected to create plenty of chances.
Prediction
History between these two sides and recent trends both point toward goals at either end. Bodø/Glimt’s consistency in scoring, combined with Tottenham’s firepower, makes this a likely high-scoring contest. Still, Tottenham’s superior depth and form should see them take control.
Prediction: Bodø/Glimt 1 – 3 Tottenham
