Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Angelo Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur squad stands on the brink of reaching the Europa Conference League final after securing a 3-1 triumph over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their semifinal encounter. This outcome sustains Tottenham’s ambition for securing silverware for the first time since 2008, as they head to Norway for the upcoming second leg with a substantial advantage.
Decisive First Half
Tottenham’s inaugural European semifinal appearance since 2019 commenced ideally when Brennan Johnson found the back of the net after just 37 seconds. He timed his run perfectly to head home Richarlison’s looping delivery at the far post. Following their early setback, Bodo/Glimt struggled to assert their usual dominance, although their efforts to rally proved futile when James Maddison doubled the lead for the ecstatic home side midway through the first period.
Second Half Struggles and Late Consolation
Spurs failed to maintain their first-half intensity in the second period. However, they extended their lead from the penalty spot when Dominic Solanke converted after Cristian Romero was fouled in the box. The atmosphere dampened late on when Bodo/Glimt secured a consolation goal, yet Tottenham will remain optimistic as they prepare for the return fixture.
Game Analysis
Goalkeeper and Defense
- Guglielmo Vicario – 6
The goalkeeper had little to do in the first half, as Bodo/Glimt failed to register a shot on target. He could do nothing about Bodo/Glimt’s goal, given the significant deflection. - Pedro Porro – 7
Delivered a superb pass behind the Bodo/Glimt defense, leading to Maddison’s goal, and provided an attacking threat throughout. The former Sporting defender was relatively untested by the opposition forwards in the first half but intervened to foil a dangerous attack midway through the second period. - Cristian Romero – 6
Fortunately made the most of the foul that led to Spurs’ second-half penalty. Yet the Argentine, alongside center-back partner Micky van de Ven, will provide Tottenham fans with reassurance. He lost concentration in the second half, receiving an unnecessary yellow card for a push on a Bodo/Glimt attacker and was outmaneuvered for the visitors’ goal. - Micky van de Ven – 7
One can only wonder how Tottenham would have fared all season with the Dutchman. The team appears significantly more comfortable when relying on the swift defender at the back.
Left-Back and Midfield
- Destiny Udogie – 6
Displayed comfort on the left-hand side and, like his counterpart, posed an attacking threat. A crucial member of Spurs’ strongest defensive line, his availability will be pivotal if Tottenham aims to succeed this season. - Rodrigo Bentancur – 6
After a strong start, the midfield maestro struggled to maintain his early form. He momentarily lost focus during a Bodo/Glimt attack that nearly resulted in a goal and was unfortunate to be involved in the deflection that led to their consolation goal. While tidy in possession, he could have contributed more offensively. - Yves Bissouma – 7
Covered the ground that Bentancur did not and effectively anchored the Tottenham midfield. Despite a challenging return from sitting out recent matches, the midfielder excelled in the heart of the park.
Attacking Trio
- James Maddison – 8
Possibly his standout moment in a Tottenham shirt? He orchestrated proceedings in midfield and finished his goal neatly. Postecoglou’s main concern arose when the English playmaker went down clutching his leg and was substituted. While they might progress through the second leg without him, any long-term injury could jeopardize Tottenham’s title hopes in this competition. - Brennan Johnson – 7
Almost couldn’t believe his fortune when the ball dropped kindly to him in front of goal after just a minute, with Johnson continuing his impressive scoring run in the Europa Conference League with his fourth of the campaign. - Dominic Solanke – 7
The Englishman remained composed when stroking home from 12 yards, securing Tottenham a decisive lead in the tie. He converted a gutsy penalty in the previous round against Eintracht Frankfurt and again sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with his effort against Bodo/Glimt. However, his night soured when he was substituted with an injury. - Richarlison – 7
Displayed astute awareness in picking out his teammate for the opening goal and provided a solid attacking outlet. This was only his second start since early February, with Postecoglou opting to replace him at halftime in favor of Mathys Tel’s fresher legs.
Substitutes
- Mathys Tel – 6
Showcased a few promising touches after coming on at halftime but could have frazzled a stretched Bodo/Glimt backline more. - Dejan Kulusevski – 6
His playing time has been carefully managed following a recent return from injury, and he seemed to be regaining match sharpness during a neat cameo. - Wilson Odobert – 6
Made his presence known but failed to make a significant impact.