Sports

Tottenham cruise into Europa League final with professional win at Bodo/Glimt

Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma celebrates after the match
Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma celebrates reaching a European final with the jubilant travelling fans in Bodo – Reuters/Paul Childs

This did not have the drama of the miracle of Amsterdam, but Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in a first European final since 2019 on a night that the 404 travelling fans who braved a trip to the Arctic will never forget.

Six years to the day that Spurs fought back to beat Ajax and reach the Champions League final, Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro scored the goals against Bodo/Glimt that clinched a place in the Europa League final later this month.

Tottenham’s players can still enter the record books for all the right reasons at the end of a season in which they are threatening to set a record for the number of Premier League defeats in a season.

But all the pain and embarrassment of the domestic campaign will quickly be forgotten if Tottenham can win a first European trophy for 41 years by beating Manchester United in an all-English final.

It would also go some way to vindicating head coach Ange Postecoglou, who had been ridiculed by his critics for highlighting the fact he wins trophies in his second season at clubs.

Ange Postecoglou celebrates Tottenham's win at Bodo/Glimt
Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham remains uncertain but he could deliver European silverware – NTB/Mats Torbergsen

Unlike in London a week earlier, when they went behind after just 38 seconds, there was early encouragement for Bodo in front of their noisy home fans.

Ole Didrik Blomberg shot into the side-netting in the seventh minute after Jens Petter Hauge had won a corner when trying to cross the ball from a promising position.

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario did not rush to place the ball down for a goal-kick and was warned about time wasting by referee Maurizio Mariani to a chorus of booing from the Bodo supporters.

Postecoglou would have been pleased how his team managed most of the opening 45 minutes, as they slowed the game down and coped well with the artificial pitch.

Every attack from the Norwegians in the first half was met by screams of anticipation and there was also audible relief when a Pedro Porro corner drifted out of play.

Goalkeeper Nikita Haikin got a vital hand on a low cross from Destiny Udogie after the left-back had been played in by Richarlison. The Brazilian was a threat for Tottenham and was involved in winning the free-kick from which the visitors almost scored.

Bodo/Glimt's goalkeeper Nikita Haikin pushes away a Tottenham cross
Tottenham were comfortable defensively and carried a threat during the first half – Reuters/Paul Childs

Richarlison found Dominic Solanke just outside the Bodo penalty area. He was fouled and Porro’s free-kick had to be well saved by Haikin after the right-back had curled the ball over the yellow wall.

Both teams had a player booked. Kasper Hogh for the home side for arguing with Mariani after being judged to have fouled Micky van de Ven. Brennan Johnson was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Jens Petter Hauge.

In between those bookings, Vicario had to palm the ball from under his crossbar to stop Patrick Berg’s free-kick from the right angle of the penalty area potentially finding the net or Hogh.

Berg had missed the first leg and his influence on the Bodo team was clear, as he collected the ball from his defenders to start attacks and took every set piece.

Vicario was far less assured with a pass out from the back that gave Berg the opportunity to try to catch him by shooting from distance. But the midfielder could not get the power or precision in his punt to embarrass the Italian.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario saves during the Europa League semi-final second leg
Guglielmo Vicario makes a rare save from a Bodo/Glimt free-kick – PA/NTB

Yves Bissouma lashed a shot high and wide right at the end of the first half, but Spurs would have gone in satisfied that they had dampened some of Bodo’s pre-game optimism over a fightback.

Perhaps because of the pitch and perhaps because of the circumstances, Tottenham were unusually happy to go long as demonstrated when Porro launched a high ball into the corner from the restart.

While the home fans continued to back their team, the small army of travelling Tottenham supporters became louder as they sensed their team closing in on the final.

There was a moment of panic when Hauge’s cross was not properly cleared, but there was no Bodo player in position to turn the ball towards goal.

On the occasions Bodo did break at pace, Bissouma or Rodrigo Bentancur were normally there to tidy up for Spurs or make a vital interception. Destiny Udogie had to make a vital challenge at the back post to stop a Frederik Andre Bjorkan cross reaching Hogh.

That was to be Bjorkan’s last contribution, as Bodo made a double change in their attempt to force a goal while Tottenham replaced Richarlison with Mathys Tel.

And it was Tel’s corner a couple of minutes later that was headed towards goal by Cristian Romero and Solanke reacted fastest to divert the ball to put Tottenham ahead on the night and further extend their aggregate lead.

The Spurs players celebrated wildly while at the other end of the stadium, the club’s fans sang that they were on their way to Bilbao for the final.

Any lingering hope among the home fans that their team might complete a miracle comeback of their own were completely extinguished seven minutes later thanks to a fortunate goal from Porro.

The right-back was clearly trying to cross the ball into the Bodo penalty area, but mis-hit his delivery that sailed over the head of Haikin and dropped into the net.

That was game, set and match, and Postecoglou is now just one game away from delivering on his promise and becoming Tottenham’s first trophy-winning manager since 2008. 

10:26 PM BST

Ange Postecoglou speaking to TNT

10:19 PM BST

Paul Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live

“That is an outstanding performance from Tottenham. Organised, structured, defensively sound. Not pretty, not a great watch but effective.

“Tottenham have come here and done a number on them. They have kept a clean sheet and been excellent.”

10:18 PM BST

Ex-Tottenham men Glenn Hoddle and David Bentley on TNT

10:16 PM BST

All-English final in the Europa League

10:12 PM BST

Recent head-to-heads between finalists

10:10 PM BST

The thoughts of Pedro Porro

“I am very happy for the team, for the fans, it is so long from London. The team will celebrate this.

On if he meant his goal: 

“I have crossed for Dom [Solanke]. It is a goal and this is important. The clean sheet is the most important. Clean sheet today and we go to the final.”

Pedro Porro celebrates after Tottenham's victory
Pedro Porro scored Tottenham’s second on the night – Paul Childs/Reuters

10:08 PM BST

Dominic Solanke speaking to TNT

“So good, man. It has been a long season and it is the business end now. One more game to go! Hopefully, we can do it.

“We knew it would be difficult and they started well. We wanted to get the first goal. When we did, it was good to see it out from there.

“The fans were incredible. We are delighted to give the fans who have travelled what they deserved.”

Dominic Solanke celebrates Tottenham's victory
Dominic Solanke got Tottenham’s first on the night – PA

10:06 PM BST

Does Arsene Wenger have a point?

Should the winner of the Europa League automatically earn a place in the Champions League? It will be 15th vs 16th in the Premier League in the Europa League final later this month. Have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

10:05 PM BST

Milestone goal for Solanke

10:04 PM BST

Tottenham book their place in Bilbao

09:58 PM BST

Bilbao awaits

09:58 PM BST

Results from Europe

Europa League:

Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham (1-5 agg)

Manchester United 4-1 Athletic Bilbao (7-1 agg)

Conference League:

Chelsea 1-0 Djurgarden (5-1 agg)

Fiorentina 2-1 Real Betis (3-3 agg)- going to extra time

All three English clubs in action tonight are through to the finals in the respective competitions.

09:55 PM BST

FT stats

Possession: Bodo 69%-31% Tottenham

Shots: 7-8

Shots on target: 2-3

Corners: 3-8

Touches in opposition box: 12-16

09:54 PM BST

Full time

There is the final whistle and Tottenham have booked their place in the final. Goals from Solanke and Porro on the night have given them a 2-0 win on the night and a 5-1 aggregate victory. Ange Posteoglou’s men will take on Manchester United in the final in Bilbao on May 21.

09:54 PM BST

90+4 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

The referee is told to go and have a look at the screen and this is going to be overturned. The referee changes his mind and it is no penalty.

09:53 PM BST

90+3 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

Bodo are given a penalty right at the death as Porro is penalised for taking down Sorli in the penalty area. Porro pleads his innocence and VAR is taking a look…

09:50 PM BST

90+1 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

Manchester United have scored again and now lead Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate.

09:49 PM BST

90 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

There will be three added minutes at the end of this one. Tottenham are just moments away from the final.

09:45 PM BST

86 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

A Romero sliding challenge results in a Bodo corner on the left. Berg sends it in but Romero is on hand to head away.

09:44 PM BST

85 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

Manchester United are now 3-1 up, 6-1 on aggregate, against Athletic Bilbao. You can follow the closing stages of that match right here.

09:42 PM BST

84 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

A final change for Bodo as Maatta replaces Hauge, who receives a nice ovation as he heads off.

09:42 PM BST

83 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

There is probably a surge right now of Tottenham and Manchester United fans booking flights to Bilbao and hoping to get a ticket for the Europa League final on May 21.

09:38 PM BST

79 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

There has been another goal at Old Trafford and Manchester United, like Tottenham, now lead 5-1 on aggregate. An all-English Europa League final awaits.

09:37 PM BST

78 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

The balloon has most definitely burst inside the stadium amongst the home fans but for the small number of Tottenham fans who have travelled and have tickets they are looking forward to the final in Bilbao later this month.

09:34 PM BST

75 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

Romero has gone down after a challenge from Hauge. The home fans are not happy with Romero but if they saw the replays they would have seen it was a naught little challenge from Hauge.

09:32 PM BST

73 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

Tottenham looked to have booked their place in the final and it very much looks like Manchester United will be joining them. Manchester United have just made it 1-1 on the night against Athletic Bilbao and lead 4-1 on aggregate. You can follow the closing stages of that game right here.

09:30 PM BST

71 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 2 (1-5 agg)

Bodo are making another double change as Auklend and Nielsen replace Moe and Saltnes.

09:28 PM BST

GOAL! Porro seals Tottenham’s place in the final

That will do it. Tottenham are surely heading to Bilbao. I do not think he can claim he meant that but the travelling Tottenham fans do not care whatsoever. His cross from the right ends up coming off the inside of the far post. That was not a shot but Porro might claim it was. Tottenham now 5-1 up on aggregate.

09:26 PM BST

67 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 1 (1-4 agg)

Tottenham are making their second change as Sarr is replacing Johnson. The Bodo fans are very unhappy with Johnson, who tried to go down wasting more time but the referee saw right through that one.

09:25 PM BST

65 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 1 (1-4 agg)

Vicario has now been booked for time wasting.

09:22 PM BST

GOAL! Solanke extends Tottenham’s aggregate lead

Have Tottenham just booked their place in the Europa League final in Bilbao? Tel’s delivery to the back post finds the head of Romero, whose header back across goal is prodded in by Solanke. Tottenham now have a three-goal advantage in the tie and surely have more than one foot in the final.

09:22 PM BST

62 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

The home fans are still getting behind their side but time is running out for them. They have just gifted Tottenham another corner despite being under no pressure. Tel, just on after replacing Richarlison, is on corner duty now…

09:20 PM BST

61 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Double change for the hosts as Helmersen and Sorli replace Hogh and Blomberg.

Tottenham are making a change as well as Tel replaces Richarlison.

09:18 PM BST

59 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Bjorkan puts in a great cross from the left to the back post and Udogie does brilliantly with Hogh right behind him to clear. Bodo are just starting to ramp up the pressure on Tottenham as both sides prepare changes.

09:16 PM BST

56 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Hauge sends in another enticing cross from the left towards the back post but van de Ven does really well backpedalling to head away from danger. Good defending.

09:13 PM BST

54 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Solanke wins his side another corner on the left. Porro sends it in and Hogh heads behind for another corner, this time on the other side. It is taken short and Kulusevski sends it into the near post. It is nearly flicked on by Johnson but Bodo clear their lines.

09:10 PM BST

50 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Bodo send in a dangerous cross from the left to the back post that nearly finds its way into the net but Tottenham do just enough to clear their lines. That was a worrying moment for Tottenham.

09:06 PM BST

47 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Ange Postecoglou will be satisfied with his troops so far but a goal for Bodo changes things dramatically and the nerves will kick in for the Tottenham players and fans.

Solanke wins the visitors the first corner of this second half out on the left. Porro swings it in but it goes through everyone and the chance is gone.

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou looks on
How will Ange Postecoglou be feeling? – Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

09:04 PM BST

Second half

We are back under way. Tottenham still hold their two-goal advantage from the first leg. Will they hold on to claim a place in the final or can Bodo stage a comeback in this second half?

08:56 PM BST

HT scores in Europe this evening

Europa League:

Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Tottenham (1-3 agg)

Manchester United 0-1 Athletic Bilbao (3-1 agg)

Conference League:

Chelsea 1-0 Djurgarden (5-1 agg)

Fiorentina 2-1 Real Betis (3-3 agg)

As it stands all three English clubs in action tonight will be in the final in their respective competitions.

08:53 PM BST

HT stats

Possession: Bodo 67%-33% Tottenham

Shots: 6-4

Shots on target: 1-1

Corners: 2-4

Touches in opposition box: 5-7

08:48 PM BST

Half time

That is it for the first half and it is 0-0 at half time in this second leg, with Tottenham still 3-1 up on aggregate.

08:47 PM BST

45 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

There will be one added minute at the end of this first half. Tottenham have a late corner, which was gifted to them by Haikin. The corner comes all the way to Bissouma on the edge of the box but he blazes his effort over the bar.

08:45 PM BST

44 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

With pretty much not stoppages in play you would imagine there will be little if any added time at the end of this first half.

08:43 PM BST

41 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

There is a turnover of possession on halfway and Berg shoots having spotted Vicario off his line but the Tottenham keeper easily gets back.

08:42 PM BST

40 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Richarlison wins Tottenham a corner out on the left in front of their travelling fans. Porro’s inswinger is poor and does not even beat the front man.

08:40 PM BST

38 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Bodo are growing into this game as Vicario is warned once more not to time waste. You would imagine if he is caught doing it once more he will be booked.

08:37 PM BST

35 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Chance for the hosts. A good delivery is sent in from the left and the cross picks out Hogh in the centre. He is about eight yards out but is backpedalling and cannot control his header, which goes wide.

08:35 PM BST

33 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Tottenham have got through the first 30 minutes or so with their two-goal advantage still intact. Johnson is the first Tottenham player into the book this evening for a late challenge on Hauge.

Brennan Johnson shown a yellow card
Brennan Johnson into the book – Paul Childs/Reuters

Over at Old Trafford Athletic Bilbao have got a goal back and it is now 3-1 to Manchester United in the tie. You can follow all the events from that game right here.

08:33 PM BST

31 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Udogie takes Blomberg down not far outside the Tottenham penalty area and this will give Bodo the chance to send it into the box from the right. Their captain Berg is standing over it and whips it in with some pace. It forces Vicario to tip it over for a Bodo corner, which comes to nothing.

Guglielmo Vicario punches the ball over
Tottenham still hold their two-goal advantage – PA

08:28 PM BST

26 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Hogh is the first man booked tonight. He was frustrated with a decision that went against him as he was adjudged to have fouled van de Ven and then throws the ball away so is booked. Fair to say the home fans were not particularly happy with that decision.

08:25 PM BST

23 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Porro takes and lifts it over the wall. Haikin is forced into a decent save and the Bodo keeper tips it over the bar for a corner. That was heading under the bar so Haikin had to make the save. Porro then sends in a dangerous corner that Bodo just about clear.

Pedro Porro takes his free-kick
Close for Porro – Paul Childs/Reuters

08:22 PM BST

21 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Ange Postecoglou will be reasonably satisfied with the first 20 minutes from his side. They have settled into the game pretty well and Bodo are yet to create much. With a two-goal advantage in the tie, Tottenham do not need to force things and take too many risks.

Now they have a free-kick just outside the Bodo box as Berg fouls Solanke.

08:18 PM BST

16 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Tottenham work it well from their own penalty area all the way to the Bodo box. On the left-hand side of the box, Richarlison plays it onto the overlapping Udogie, who fires a ball across the six-yard box. Haikin parries it away and Bodo clear.

08:15 PM BST

13 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Udogie wins the visitors their first corner of the night on the left, right in front of the travelling Tottenham fans. Porro takes an inswinger, which is flicked on at the near post by van de Ven but goes well wide and behind for a goal-kick.

08:12 PM BST

10 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

This game has royal approval as the Norwegian royal family are in attendance.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Sverre Magnus in the stands
Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Sverre Magnus in the stands – PA

08:09 PM BST

7 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Hauge wins the home side a corner out on the left, which their captain Berg will take. His inswinger makes its way all the way to the back post, finding Blomberg. He takes one touch with his chest and then fires a shot towards goal but it hits the side netting.

Already Vicario is being warned by the referee not to spend too long over goal-kicks and the home fans are making sure the referee stays on top of any time wasting.

08:06 PM BST

4 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

It sounds obvious to say but the first goal is essential. If Bodo get it, the tie is well and truly on and there will be plenty of nerves in the Tottenham camp. If Ange Postecoglou’s side score first, the tie is pretty much done and dusted. Our very own Matt Law is on the ground in Bodo and the sense from the home fans was that there was plenty of confidence in the hosts turning it around.

08:04 PM BST

2 mins: Bodo/Glimt 0 Tottenham 0 (1-3 agg)

Richarlison is picked out at the back post and he brings it down with his thigh. He shoots across goal but his effort is semi-blocked and then the home side clear.

Richarlison has a shot blocked
Early chance for Tottenham – Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

08:01 PM BST

Kick-off

We are under way. Will it be Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt booking their place in the Europa League final in a few hours?

07:57 PM BST

Kick-off fast approaching

Both sides emerge from the tunnel, onto the artificial pitch that has created quite the debate ahead of the match. Plenty of fireworks are set off as the home fans are up for this one. The weather is rather grim in Bodo and the travelling Tottenham fans are getting drenched. We are just moments away from kick-off.

A view of the fans inside the stadium ahead of kick-off
Atmosphere building – Paul Childs/Reuters

07:53 PM BST

Reminder of the teams

Tottenham: Vicario, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Porro, Bissouma, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison.

Substitutes: Danso, Tel, Gray, Spence, Odobert, Sarr, Davies, Moore, Ajayi, Olusesi, Austin, Whiteman.

Bodo/Glimt: Haikin, Sjovold, Gundersen, Bjorkan, Berg, Salnes, Evjen, Hauge, Blomberg, Hogh, Moe.

Substitutes: Nielsen, Helmersen, Auklend, Fet, Sorli, Maatta, Hansen, Jensen, Lund, Brondbo.

07:51 PM BST

Ange Postecoglou speaking to TNT

07:48 PM BST

Elsewhere in Europe

Two other English clubs are in action this evening. In the other Europa League semi-final, Manchester United hold a 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao going into the second leg at Old Trafford. Meanwhile at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea host Djurgarden with a 4-1 advantage.

07:44 PM BST

Visitors gearing up

07:41 PM BST

Strong home form for the hosts

07:39 PM BST

Bodo/Glimt defender Odin Bjortuft on his side’s advantage playing on their artificial pitch

“There is no doubt it is an advantage for us. At the same time, it is what you are used to. We train on this pitch every day. The same with the team we meet, they train on grass pitches every day. But, of course, playing here at home is a big advantage for us, because I do not think a lot of teams are prepared for what’s coming.

“The ball goes really fast when you play passes and it is more difficult for defenders reaching attackers and getting contact with us. That is what we benefit from in these games. It is a smaller stadium than they are used to. It is really compact and it is a city that stays together. We are really comfortable playing here, as many home teams are. I think we have a good backing from the town and they are really positive, even if it goes south. It is a good feeling for us to have them on our back.”

07:35 PM BST

Ex-Tottenham men Glenn Hoddle and David Bentley on TNT

07:32 PM BST

Confident home faithful?

All of the home fans I’ve encountered are absolutely convinced Bodo will turn this around and go through to the final. They do not see being two goals down as a problem at all.

The Bodo/Glimt fans in the stadium
Will Bodo/Glimt turn things around against Tottenham? – Paul Childs/Reuters

07:29 PM BST

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin in attendance

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin arriving at the stadium
UEFA’s chief in the house – David Lidstrom/Getty Images

07:26 PM BST

Quotes from Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen

“It is a historic match definitely and we want to have the main role but of course it is Glimt against Tottenham. 

“So that is the packaging and they have two goals on us and we hope that we can perform better, be more Bodo/Glimt and we are not favourites but we see possibilities here. And so that is a good starting point for performing well. I think so.”

07:23 PM BST

Pre-match thoughts of Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario

“We knew about it [the artificial pitch] before coming in. Many teams have played here so nothing has worried us about the surface. You cannot change the condition of the pitch, it is just about how quickly you adapt. I do not have a lot of experience on [artificial surfaces] but it is fine. We will be ready.

“We need to focus on our strengths and try to win the game. We cannot sit back and hope for mistakes. We have to attack and play our way. We are really committed to what we have to do and know our way of football. We have to play with a high tempo and high intensity like in the first leg. Then we will see.”

07:20 PM BST

Visitors arriving

07:15 PM BST

Home fans gathering

Bodo/Glimt fans gathering before the game
Can Bodo/Glimt overturn a 3-1 deficit in front of their home fans? – Stian Lysberg Solum/Reuters

07:12 PM BST

Full team news

Tottenham make plenty of changes from their 1-1 Premier League draw against West Ham last weekend but there is just one change from the first leg a week ago. Dejan Kulusevski replaces the injured James Maddison. Dominic Solanke returns having missed the West Ham game. Lucas Bergvall is out as is Heung-Min Son.

Tottenham: Vicario, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Porro, Bissouma, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison.

Substitutes: Danso, Tel, Gray, Spence, Odobert, Sarr, Davies, Moore, Ajayi, Olusesi, Austin, Whiteman.

Bodo/Glimt have Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen back in midfield after both missed the first leg due to suspension. Brede Moealso comes in for Villads Nielsen in the centre of defence.

Bodo/Glimt: Haikin, Sjovold, Gundersen, Bjorkan, Berg, Salnes, Evjen, Hauge, Blomberg, Hogh, Moe.

Substitutes: Nielsen, Helmersen, Auklend, Fet, Sorli, Maatta, Hansen, Jensen, Lund, Brondbo.

07:07 PM BST

Bodo/Glimt’s recent results

Thursday 1st May: Tottenham 3-1 Bodo/Glimt (Europa League)

Sunday 27th April: Bodo/Glimt 3-0 KFUM (Norwegian top flight)

Thursday 24th April: Junkeren 1-5 Bodo/Glimt (Norwegian Cup)

Monday 21st April: Molde 2-2 Bodo/Glimt

07:04 PM BST

Chilly but not freezing!

It does not feel like it will be an intimidating atmosphere for Tottenham in Bodo. The home fans seem like a friendly bunch. It’s chilly without being freezing and there’s a constant drizzle, so a bit like a game in October or November in England. The groundstaff have been showering the infamous artificial pitch which the home team are banking so heavily on. Ange Postecoglou has picked the team we all expected with one change from the first leg – Dejan Kulusevski replacing the injured James Maddison.

Outside Bodo/Glim's stadium ahead of their game against Tottenham
Chilly in Norway – Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

06:59 PM BST

Tottenham’s recent results

Sunday 4th May: West Ham 1-1 Tottenham (Premier League)

Thursday 1st May: Tottenham 3-1 Bodo/Glimt (Europa League)

Sunday 27th April: Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham (Premier League)

Monday 21st April: Tottenham 1-2 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

06:54 PM BST

Bodo/Glimt team news

06:50 PM BST

Tottenham team news

06:50 PM BST

Get your fix

06:45 PM BST

A place in the Europa League final at stake

Tottenham are aiming to book their place in the Europa League final tonight as they take a 3-1 lead to the Arctic Circle and Norway to take on Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final second leg. Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke gave Ange Postecoglou’s side a 3-0 lead but a late goal from Ulrik Saltnes for the visitors has given them hope as they welcome Tottenham to Aspmyra Stadion.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, now Fifa’s chief of global football development, has perhaps stoked some old north London rivalries by saying that the winners of the Europa League should not get a place in the Champions League. Tottenham, who drew 1-1 last weekend away at West Ham, are currently 16th in the Premier League, 25 points off the top five and the Champions League-qualifying positions, while Manchester United, who hold a 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao in the other semi-final, are one point and place above Tottenham in 15th. One of Tottenham or Manchester United could qualify for the Champions League next season should they win the Europa League. Those comments from Wenger were put to Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou yesterday in his pre-match press conference.

“It is the rule. Why was it not an issue before? Last year, fifth place did not get you in, this year it does. Tottenham does crazy things to people. You put this club into any sentence and they all come out to try and diminish any way they can. I have great respect for Arsene, one of the legends of the game, but it is Tottenham. They love it, you love it. Bring it on.”

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou speaking during his press conference
Can Ange Postecoglou lead Tottenham to an Europa League final? – Stian Lysberg Solum/Getty Images

James Maddison, who went off injured in the first leg, is expected to miss the final few weeks of the season with a knee injury and he could be out for three months. Lucas Bergvall is also set to miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury. Captain Heung-Min Son will miss out once more with a foot injury. Dominic Solanke missed Tottenham’s trip to West Ham last Sunday but will be available tonight.

Bodo/Glimt have beaten Porto, Besiktas, Olympiacos and Lazio at home this season. Their win rate at home in the Europa League since 2022-23 is 70%. Tonight’s hosts have had a whole week off since playing Tottenham this time last week. In the other semi-final, Manchester United hold a 3-0 lead over Athletic Bilbao. Team news to follow shortly.

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