Tottenham Hotspur grabbed a 3-1 win over FK Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final, stretching their unbeaten home run in Europe to 19 matches.
Manager Ange Postecoglou wanted a fast start, and Spurs delivered instantly. Just 38 seconds in, Yves Bissouma won the ball, Pedro Porro crossed it, Richarlison headed it back, and Brennan Johnson nodded it in to give the hosts a dream lead. James Maddison nearly made it 2-0 minutes later but volleyed over.
The visitors didn’t offer much in the first half but had a weak penalty shout waved away. Spurs kept pushing, and Maddison doubled the lead on 34 minutes after another Porro pass. His shot was scuffed but fooled the goalkeeper and rolled into the corner. Rodrigo Bentancur also forced a great save with a volley, while Glimt’s best chance came just before half-time but was headed over.
In the second half, Spurs were handed a penalty when Romero was caught in the box. After a VAR check, Solanke coolly converted from the spot to make it 3-0. However, both Solanke and Maddison went off injured soon after, with hopes it was just a precaution.
Bodø/Glimt pulled one back with seven minutes left, as Ulrik Saltnes’ deflected shot beat the keeper. It gave the visitors a lifeline for the return leg, especially since they’ve won all their home matches in the knockouts so far — even though they’ve lost every away leg.
