Brennan Johnson scored inside the first minute as Tottenham Hotspur claimed a vital 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday, putting them within reach of their first European final since 2019.
Spurs, who have struggled mightily in the Premier League, made a dream start in front of their home crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Manager Ange Postecoglou, under growing pressure, needed a statement performance—and his side largely delivered.
Fast Start as Johnson Strikes Early
It took just 38 seconds for Tottenham to break the deadlock. Pedro Porro sent in a cross that Richarlison headed down for Johnson, who calmly nodded home his 17th goal of the season — the fastest goal in the Europa League this year.
The early goal unsettled Bodo/Glimt, but Spurs remained wary. Postecoglou, who previously lost to the Norwegian side with Celtic in 2022, made sure his team didn’t underestimate the Arctic Circle underdogs.
Maddison Magic and Solanke’s Penalty
James Maddison, eager to redeem himself after calling the 5-1 loss to Liverpool “embarrassing,” doubled Tottenham’s lead in the 34th minute. Porro delivered a precise long pass that Maddison expertly controlled before firing past goalkeeper Nikita Haikin.
Haikin, who made several important saves throughout the match, could do little when VAR awarded Spurs a penalty in the 61st minute after Fredrik Sjovold brought down Cristian Romero. Dominic Solanke converted calmly from the spot for a 3-0 lead.
Solanke and Maddison were both later substituted due to injuries, adding new worries for Postecoglou ahead of a tense second leg in Norway.
Bodo/Glimt Keep Their Dream Alive
Bodo/Glimt, the first Norwegian team to reach a major European semi-final, were outclassed for much of the match but salvaged a crucial away goal in the 83rd minute. Ulrik Saltnes capitalized on rare space and saw his shot deflect in off Rodrigo Bentancur to give the visitors hope.
The strike was their only shot on target, but it leaves the tie delicately poised. Spurs will need to be wary in the return fixture on May 8 in Norway.
European Final Within Reach
With Manchester United already 3-0 up from their first-leg win over Athletic Bilbao, a potential all-Premier League final looms on May 21. Tottenham, who haven’t lifted a European trophy since 1984, will look to end a 17-year silverware drought.
For Postecoglou, a trophy might be his only lifeline in what has been a torrid domestic campaign. But with this crucial win, Spurs have taken a major step towards redemption — and perhaps salvation.
