Tottenham book Europa League final against Man Utd after victory at Bodo/Glimt
AFNEWS reporter
May 09, 2025
Tottenham book Europa League final against Man Utd after victory at Bodo/Glimt
Tottenham remain on course to end their 17-year trophy drought and to win silverware in Ange Postecoglou's second season after a 2-0 win in Bodo/Glimt sent them through to the Europa League final.
READ ALSO: Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
Spurs held a two-goal lead after last week's first leg in north London, but had been warned to expect a stern examination on Bodo's notoriously difficult artificial surface in the Arctic Circle.
READ ALSO: Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
A firework display welcomed both teams onto the Aspmyra Stadion pitch, but Postecoglou watched his team produce a masterful defensive display in the first half before they struck twice in the second period.
READ ALSO: NNAMDI KANU ATTACKS PDP, MAINTAINS THAT BUHARI IS DEAD
Dominic Solanke made the breakthrough after 63 minutes with his 15th goal of the season before a cross-cum-shot from Pedro Porro six minutes later all but assured Tottenham of a place in the final in Bilbao.
READ ALSO: CAN CAlls For Seven-Day Prayers, Fasting For Peace
It will be only the second European final Spurs have contested in the last 40 years and despite a woeful Premier League campaign with the club down in 16th position, Postecoglou can still stay true to his vow of always winning a trophy in his second season.
READ ALSO: Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
Bodo boasted a formidable home record on a notoriously quick artificial surface, which was saturated by several sprinklers before kick-off in addition to light drizzle.
READ ALSO: Japanese billionaire seeks partner for Moon trip
An ear-piercing firework show welcomed the players onto the pitch, but Richarlison almost silenced a partisan home crowd only for his effort shot to be blocked.
READ ALSO: Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Olde Didrik Blomberg sent a half-volley into the side netting soon after from a tight angle and yet Spurs impressively navigated the opening exchanges.
Good work by Solanke won Tottenham a free-kick in a dangerous position midway through the first half, but Porro's curled effort was tipped over by Nikita Haikin.
READ ALSO: WATCH LIVE MEDIA CHAT: Nyesom Wike Live Media Interaction
Trailing two goals from the first leg, Bodo upped their tempo and Guglielmo Vicario was forced to push over a Patrick Berg free-kick before Kasper Hogh sent a header harmlessly off target.
READ ALSO: Reasons Why Nigerians Need To Adhere To Every Necessary Precautions During This Haze Cloudiness
A misplaced pass by Yves Bissouma provided Berg with an opening but his long-range shot was held by Vicario as it stayed goalless at half-time.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: EFCC boss, Bawa testifies in N1.4bn oil subsidy fraud trial
Play resumed with Spurs' away contingent of 404 fans singing about Bilbao although the visitors were twice indebted to Destiny Udogie for crucial clearances to deny Kasper Hogh at the back post.
Postecoglou turned to his bench after with Mathys Tel brought on for Richarlison and the first telling contribution of the Bayern Munich loanee led to a goal.
READ ALSO: Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
Tel took over corner duties from Porro and picked out stand-in captain Romero, who picked out Solanke to stab home from close range after 63 minutes.
READ ALSO: Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Six minutes later and it was 2-0 when Dejan Kulusevski played out to Porro, who lobbed Haikin with what appeared a cross.
READ ALSO: NNAMDI KANU ATTACKS PDP, MAINTAINS THAT BUHARI IS DEAD
Bodo did win a stoppage-time penalty after Porro was adjudged to have caught Isak Dybvik Maatta, but it was ruled out after a VAR check and ensured Tottenham marched on to an all English final in Bilbao with Manchester United.
Related Stories
David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world, says Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz after Sporting heroics
Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
Who has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Who do England and Scotland play? Could Lionel Messi face Cristiano Ronaldo?
Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
""
— AFNEWS reporter