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Tottenham have their sights set on a Europa League final but will need to overcome an Arctic expedition as they visit Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final.
Ange Postecoglou’s side made a good start to the tie as they secured an advantage at home last week, but the late concession of a goal, narrowing their lead to 3-1, could yet prove costly.
Bodo/Glimt have beaten FC Twente, Olympiacos and Lazio by at least a two-goal margin in Norway on their run through to the last four, and will be confident of another good result as they welcome Spurs to the harsh conditions of the Aspmyra Stadion.
With the final just a hair’s breadth away for Spurs, triumph in the Europa League could act as Postecoglou’s last chance of salvation in the Tottenham hot seat after an otherwise miserable season.
Follow all the build-up and action from Norway below:
AND WE ARE UNDERWAY!
Both sets of players are lining up on the artificial grass as the Europa League anthem bellows.
This is a miserable night, weather-wise. Wet, windy and grey. Dream conditions for Bodo.
Kick-off next.
Just 10 minutes until we get underway in Bodo.
Spurs are in the driving seat but will need to withstand the unique Bodo/Glimt will pose.
Despite a dismal domestic season, Ange Postecglou’s side could be just 90 minutes from a European final.
We’ll have all the play-by-play action from Norway, next.
A lot has been made of the “Arctic Circle” challenge that awaits Tottenham. But just how cold is out in Norway?
Well, it’s only 7°C - a good 10°C or so less than London, but nothing that should inflict frostbite.
Nevertheless, in such an open stadium, they will be more exposed to the elements than usual. And it’s absolutely tipping it down.
The Europa League final in Bilbao will not be moved if Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur on May 21.
Both teams are in a strong position to contend for the trophy after winning the first legs of their semi-finals on Thursday night, with United beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away from home and Tottenham earning a 3-1 advantage over Bodo/Glimt ahead of next week’s return leg in Norway.
An all-English final would give two of the Premier League’s underperforming teams a chance to save their seasons and gain direct access to next year’s Champions League. United are in 14th place in the Premier League and Tottenham, who have not won a trophy since 2008, are 16th.
Uefa confirm Europa League final stance if Manchester United play Tottenham
On top of the cold conditions in the Arctic Circle, Spurs will face the challenge of playing on an unfamiliar surface as they take to the Aspmyra Stadion’s 3G pitch.
The artificial nature of the ground may be a reason behind Bodo/Glimt’s formidable home record in Europe, something Spurs will undoubtedly be wary of.
However, Dejan Kulusevski - who played on such surfaces during his time in Sweden - believes Spurs can deal with the different pitch.
“It is different football (on an artificial pitch), it is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that,” he said.
Bilbao is likely to be full of English football fans on Wednesday 21 May. Northern Spain’s largest city is hosting the Europa League final.
Many Spurs and Man United fans have already booked flights to Bilbao on the assumption their team will be playing in the final in the San Mames Stadium at 8pm on 21 May.
Fares have surged, even though easyJet has laid on extra flights from London Gatwick and Manchester.
It is likely that a limited number of additional flights will be laid on by budget airlines. But there are many other ways to reach Bilbao.
How to get to Bilbao for the Europa League final without paying a fortune for flights
The big news in the line-ups is that Dominic Solanke is back and fit to start for Spurs after coming off injured in the first leg.
He takes his place up top, surrounded by attacking reinforcements in Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.
Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin; Sjovold, Moe, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Saltnes; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Richarlison; Solanke.
A lot has been made of the “Arctic Circle” challenge that awaits Tottenham. But just how cold is out in Norway?
Well, it’s only 7°C - a good 10°C or so less than London, but nothing that should inflict frostbite.
Nevertheless, in such an open stadium, they will be more exposed to the elements than usual. And it’s absolutely tipping it down.
With team news set to be confirmed in the next few minutes, here is a reminder of what we already know:
Patrick Berg, Hakon Evjen and Andreas Helmersen should all be back in action for Bodo/Glimt after serving suspensions in the first leg. Daniel Bassi remains absent.
James Maddison appears likely to miss the remainder of the season for Tottenham, a major blow with Lucas Bergvall also out. Heung Min Son is a doubt as he nears a return from injury.
After finishing just outside the top eight in the league phase - placing ninth, only behind Rangers on goal difference - Bodo/Glimt have had to play an extra tie to Tottenham in their route to the Europa League semi-final:
Knockout phase play-off
FC Twente 2-1 Bodo/Glimt
Bodo/Glimt 5-2 FC Twente (agg 6-4)
Round of 16
Bodo/Glimt 3-0 Olympiacos
Olympiacos 2-1 (agg 2-4)
Quarter-final
Bodo/Glimt 2-0 Lazio
Lazio 3-1 Bodo/Glimt (agg 3-3, Bodo/Glimt won 3-2 on penalties)
After finishing fourth in the league phase, here is the route Tottenham have taken to the Europa League semi-final:
Round of 16
AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Tottenham
Tottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (agg 3-2)
Quarter-final
Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt 0-1 Tottenham (agg 1-2)
Four teams are just one match away from the Europa League final — but who will go on to lift the trophy in Bilbao?
Vote in the poll below and have your say!
Who will win the Europa League? Vote as Spurs and Man Utd vie for spot in the final
How about this!
A Norwegian bartered five kilos of semi-dried fish for a ticket to Thursday’s semi-final clash between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur in the Arctic Circle.
Some 50,000 fans were vying for just 480 tickets to the second leg of Bodo/Glimt’s Europa League semi-final.
After missing out, Torbjorn Eide, a production manager at a fish farm in Senja, offered five kilos of boknafisk, a Norwegian delicacy worth nearly 2,500 Norwegian krone (£182), in exchange for a ticket.
Bodo/Glimt fan trades five kilos of fish for ticket to Tottenham semi-final
Aston Villa bosses insist they are "not happy" about their Premier League match against Tottenham being brought forward two days to assist the Londoners' preparations for a potential Europa League final appearance.
Villa's director of football operations Damian Vidagany said his club had reluctantly accepted the change, and hoped the "clear prejudice" against Villa in this decision would be remembered should they need assistance with fixture scheduling due to European football next season.
"Fixture changed and honestly, not happy," he wrote on X.
"But it could be even worst (sic). We really pushed - everyone in the club at different levels - with solid and fair grounds to protect our fans ( our main task and duty) and keep the Spurs match on Sunday. Nothing against Spurs."
Aston Villa ‘not happy’ as Tottenham fixture moved
Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League match against Aston Villa has been moved forward by two days ahead of Spurs’ potential participation in this season’s Europa League final.
The match has been moved to aid Spurs’ potential preparations and recovery ahead of the final, with the Lilywhites now travelling to Villa Park on the evening of Friday, 16 May, having originally been scheduled to face Villa on Sunday, 18 May at 2.15pm.
The Europa League final takes place on Wednesday, 21 May, and Spurs are currently well-placed to earn a spot in Bilbao, having beaten Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final.
Tottenham’s match against Aston Villa moved ahead of Europa League final
Ange Postecoglou has laughed off criticism from Arsene Wenger about Tottenham potentially qualifying for next season's Champions League and joked the club does "crazy things" to people.
"Well, I mean that's a debate that's been raging for years, like at least the last eight days," Postecoglou smiled. "I've never heard that before. I've said it before, mate, Spurs does crazy things to people. It does, it does.
"You put that club into any sentence or any issue and invariably they all come out and try and diminish as much as they can.
"Why wasn't there an issue before and it's an issue now? What's the difference? I don't understand what the difference is.
"Last year, fifth didn't get you into the Champions League, this year it does. What does that mean?
"There are competition rules and the rules say that the winner goes into (Champions League) and it's not the first year.
"And there isn't an asterisk against it that you have to do something else as well, but it's Spurs, mate, they love it. They love it.”
Ange Postecoglou hits back at Arsene Wenger in debate over Champions League spot
Now this is a big blow.
James Maddison will be out for the rest of Tottenham’s season with a knee injury, Ange Postecoglou has confirmed.
Maddison was forced off in last week’s 3-1 Europa League semi-final first-leg win against Bodo/Glimt, a result that put Spurs on the brink of a European final later this month.
However, should Postecoglou’s side pass this week’s test in the Arctic and book their place in Bilbao, Maddison will play no part in the final showcase after scans revealed he is facing an extended period on the sidelines.
James Maddison out for the season with potential Europa League final looming
Bodo/Glimt to progress 8/1
Tottenham to progress 1/9
The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin; Sjovold, Nielsen, Gundersen, Bjork; Evjen, Berg, Saltnes; Maatta, Hogh, Blomberg.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Richarlison; Solanke.
James Maddison appears likely to miss the remainder of the season for Tottenham, a major blow with Lucas Bergvall also out.
Heung Min Son is a doubt as he nears a return from injury.
Patrick Berg, Hakon Evjen and Andreas Helmersen should all be back in action for Bodo/Glimt after serving suspensions in the first leg.
Meanwhile, Daniel Bassi remains absent.
The Europa League semi-final second leg is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday 8 May at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodo.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage on the channel from 7pm BST. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+.
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Tottenham’s Europa League semi-final second leg with Bodo/Glimt.
Spurs take a 3-1 advantage to the Arctic but will need to withstand the harsh, unorthodox conditions to book their place in the Europa League final.
The Norwegian club are bidding to be the first from the nation to reach a European final and set up a meeting with either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao.
Stay tuned for all the build-up and team news ahead of tonight’s clash.
Continue reading...
Ange Postecoglou’s side made a good start to the tie as they secured an advantage at home last week, but the late concession of a goal, narrowing their lead to 3-1, could yet prove costly.
Bodo/Glimt have beaten FC Twente, Olympiacos and Lazio by at least a two-goal margin in Norway on their run through to the last four, and will be confident of another good result as they welcome Spurs to the harsh conditions of the Aspmyra Stadion.
With the final just a hair’s breadth away for Spurs, triumph in the Europa League could act as Postecoglou’s last chance of salvation in the Tottenham hot seat after an otherwise miserable season.
Follow all the build-up and action from Norway below:
Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur: Latest Europa League updates
- Tottenham take 3-1 semi-final lead into second leg at Bodo/Glimt | Kick-off at 8pm on TNT Sports
- Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao await in the Europa League final at San Mames
- Spurs will be without James Maddison who has been ruled out for the season
- Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin; Sjovold, Moe, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Saltnes; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge
- Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Richarlison; Solanke
KICK-OFF! Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Tottenham
20:02 , Will CastleAND WE ARE UNDERWAY!
Here come the teams...
20:00 , Will CastleBoth sets of players are lining up on the artificial grass as the Europa League anthem bellows.
This is a miserable night, weather-wise. Wet, windy and grey. Dream conditions for Bodo.
Kick-off next.
Closing in on kick-off
19:49 , Will CastleJust 10 minutes until we get underway in Bodo.
Spurs are in the driving seat but will need to withstand the unique Bodo/Glimt will pose.
Despite a dismal domestic season, Ange Postecglou’s side could be just 90 minutes from a European final.
We’ll have all the play-by-play action from Norway, next.
Just how cold is it in Bodo?
19:56 , Will CastleA lot has been made of the “Arctic Circle” challenge that awaits Tottenham. But just how cold is out in Norway?
Well, it’s only 7°C - a good 10°C or so less than London, but nothing that should inflict frostbite.
Nevertheless, in such an open stadium, they will be more exposed to the elements than usual. And it’s absolutely tipping it down.
Uefa confirm Europa League final stance if Manchester United play Tottenham
19:30 , Will CastleThe Europa League final in Bilbao will not be moved if Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur on May 21.
Both teams are in a strong position to contend for the trophy after winning the first legs of their semi-finals on Thursday night, with United beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away from home and Tottenham earning a 3-1 advantage over Bodo/Glimt ahead of next week’s return leg in Norway.
An all-English final would give two of the Premier League’s underperforming teams a chance to save their seasons and gain direct access to next year’s Champions League. United are in 14th place in the Premier League and Tottenham, who have not won a trophy since 2008, are 16th.
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Uefa confirm Europa League final stance if Manchester United play Tottenham
Tottenham place a scarf in every away seat
19:20 , Will CastleTottenham bracing for challenge of Bodo/Glimt’s artificial pitch
19:10 , Will CastleOn top of the cold conditions in the Arctic Circle, Spurs will face the challenge of playing on an unfamiliar surface as they take to the Aspmyra Stadion’s 3G pitch.
The artificial nature of the ground may be a reason behind Bodo/Glimt’s formidable home record in Europe, something Spurs will undoubtedly be wary of.
However, Dejan Kulusevski - who played on such surfaces during his time in Sweden - believes Spurs can deal with the different pitch.
“It is different football (on an artificial pitch), it is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that,” he said.
You must be registered for see images attach
How to get to Bilbao for the Europa League final – without spending a fortune on flights
19:00 , Will CastleBilbao is likely to be full of English football fans on Wednesday 21 May. Northern Spain’s largest city is hosting the Europa League final.
Many Spurs and Man United fans have already booked flights to Bilbao on the assumption their team will be playing in the final in the San Mames Stadium at 8pm on 21 May.
Fares have surged, even though easyJet has laid on extra flights from London Gatwick and Manchester.
It is likely that a limited number of additional flights will be laid on by budget airlines. But there are many other ways to reach Bilbao.
You must be registered for see images attach
How to get to Bilbao for the Europa League final without paying a fortune for flights
Dominic Solanke returns for Spurs
18:52 , Will CastleThe big news in the line-ups is that Dominic Solanke is back and fit to start for Spurs after coming off injured in the first leg.
He takes his place up top, surrounded by attacking reinforcements in Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.
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Line-ups CONFIRMED!
18:49 , Will CastleBodo/Glimt XI: Haikin; Sjovold, Moe, Gundersen, Bjorkan; Evjen, Berg, Saltnes; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Richarlison; Solanke.
Just how cold is it in Bodo?
18:45 , Will CastleA lot has been made of the “Arctic Circle” challenge that awaits Tottenham. But just how cold is out in Norway?
Well, it’s only 7°C - a good 10°C or so less than London, but nothing that should inflict frostbite.
Nevertheless, in such an open stadium, they will be more exposed to the elements than usual. And it’s absolutely tipping it down.
You must be registered for see images
Team news expected imminently
18:30 , Will CastleWith team news set to be confirmed in the next few minutes, here is a reminder of what we already know:
Patrick Berg, Hakon Evjen and Andreas Helmersen should all be back in action for Bodo/Glimt after serving suspensions in the first leg. Daniel Bassi remains absent.
James Maddison appears likely to miss the remainder of the season for Tottenham, a major blow with Lucas Bergvall also out. Heung Min Son is a doubt as he nears a return from injury.
Bodo/Glimt's route through the knockouts
18:25 , Will CastleAfter finishing just outside the top eight in the league phase - placing ninth, only behind Rangers on goal difference - Bodo/Glimt have had to play an extra tie to Tottenham in their route to the Europa League semi-final:
Knockout phase play-off
FC Twente 2-1 Bodo/Glimt
Bodo/Glimt 5-2 FC Twente (agg 6-4)
Round of 16
Bodo/Glimt 3-0 Olympiacos
Olympiacos 2-1 (agg 2-4)
Quarter-final
Bodo/Glimt 2-0 Lazio
Lazio 3-1 Bodo/Glimt (agg 3-3, Bodo/Glimt won 3-2 on penalties)
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Tottenham's route through the knockouts
18:15 , Will CastleAfter finishing fourth in the league phase, here is the route Tottenham have taken to the Europa League semi-final:
Round of 16
AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Tottenham
Tottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (agg 3-2)
Quarter-final
Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt 0-1 Tottenham (agg 1-2)
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Who will win the Europa League? Have your say!
18:00 , Will CastleFour teams are just one match away from the Europa League final — but who will go on to lift the trophy in Bilbao?
Vote in the poll below and have your say!
You must be registered for see images attach
Who will win the Europa League? Vote as Spurs and Man Utd vie for spot in the final
Bodo/Glimt fan trades five kilos of fish for ticket to Tottenham semi-final
17:45 , Will CastleHow about this!
A Norwegian bartered five kilos of semi-dried fish for a ticket to Thursday’s semi-final clash between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur in the Arctic Circle.
Some 50,000 fans were vying for just 480 tickets to the second leg of Bodo/Glimt’s Europa League semi-final.
After missing out, Torbjorn Eide, a production manager at a fish farm in Senja, offered five kilos of boknafisk, a Norwegian delicacy worth nearly 2,500 Norwegian krone (£182), in exchange for a ticket.
You must be registered for see images attach
Bodo/Glimt fan trades five kilos of fish for ticket to Tottenham semi-final
Aston Villa ‘not happy’ as Tottenham fixture moved
17:30 , Will CastleAston Villa bosses insist they are "not happy" about their Premier League match against Tottenham being brought forward two days to assist the Londoners' preparations for a potential Europa League final appearance.
Villa's director of football operations Damian Vidagany said his club had reluctantly accepted the change, and hoped the "clear prejudice" against Villa in this decision would be remembered should they need assistance with fixture scheduling due to European football next season.
"Fixture changed and honestly, not happy," he wrote on X.
"But it could be even worst (sic). We really pushed - everyone in the club at different levels - with solid and fair grounds to protect our fans ( our main task and duty) and keep the Spurs match on Sunday. Nothing against Spurs."
You must be registered for see images attach
Aston Villa ‘not happy’ as Tottenham fixture moved
Tottenham’s match against Aston Villa moved ahead of Europa League final
17:15 , Will CastleTottenham Hotspur’s Premier League match against Aston Villa has been moved forward by two days ahead of Spurs’ potential participation in this season’s Europa League final.
The match has been moved to aid Spurs’ potential preparations and recovery ahead of the final, with the Lilywhites now travelling to Villa Park on the evening of Friday, 16 May, having originally been scheduled to face Villa on Sunday, 18 May at 2.15pm.
The Europa League final takes place on Wednesday, 21 May, and Spurs are currently well-placed to earn a spot in Bilbao, having beaten Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of their semi-final.
You must be registered for see images attach
Tottenham’s match against Aston Villa moved ahead of Europa League final
Ange Postecoglou hits back at Arsene Wenger in debate over Champions League spot
17:00 , Will CastleAnge Postecoglou has laughed off criticism from Arsene Wenger about Tottenham potentially qualifying for next season's Champions League and joked the club does "crazy things" to people.
"Well, I mean that's a debate that's been raging for years, like at least the last eight days," Postecoglou smiled. "I've never heard that before. I've said it before, mate, Spurs does crazy things to people. It does, it does.
"You put that club into any sentence or any issue and invariably they all come out and try and diminish as much as they can.
"Why wasn't there an issue before and it's an issue now? What's the difference? I don't understand what the difference is.
"Last year, fifth didn't get you into the Champions League, this year it does. What does that mean?
"There are competition rules and the rules say that the winner goes into (Champions League) and it's not the first year.
"And there isn't an asterisk against it that you have to do something else as well, but it's Spurs, mate, they love it. They love it.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Ange Postecoglou hits back at Arsene Wenger in debate over Champions League spot
James Maddison out for the season with potential Europa League final looming
16:45 , Will CastleNow this is a big blow.
James Maddison will be out for the rest of Tottenham’s season with a knee injury, Ange Postecoglou has confirmed.
Maddison was forced off in last week’s 3-1 Europa League semi-final first-leg win against Bodo/Glimt, a result that put Spurs on the brink of a European final later this month.
However, should Postecoglou’s side pass this week’s test in the Arctic and book their place in Bilbao, Maddison will play no part in the final showcase after scans revealed he is facing an extended period on the sidelines.
You must be registered for see images attach
James Maddison out for the season with potential Europa League final looming
Odds for the clash
16:30 , Will CastleBodo/Glimt to progress 8/1
Tottenham to progress 1/9
The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
Predicted line-ups
16:25 , Will CastleBodo/Glimt XI: Haikin; Sjovold, Nielsen, Gundersen, Bjork; Evjen, Berg, Saltnes; Maatta, Hogh, Blomberg.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Richarlison; Solanke.
What is the Tottenham team news?
16:20 , Will CastleJames Maddison appears likely to miss the remainder of the season for Tottenham, a major blow with Lucas Bergvall also out.
Heung Min Son is a doubt as he nears a return from injury.
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What is the Bodo/Glimt team news?
16:15 , Will CastlePatrick Berg, Hakon Evjen and Andreas Helmersen should all be back in action for Bodo/Glimt after serving suspensions in the first leg.
Meanwhile, Daniel Bassi remains absent.
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Is Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
16:05 , Will CastleThe Europa League semi-final second leg is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Thursday 8 May at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodo.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage on the channel from 7pm BST. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+.
Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham LIVE
16:00 , Will CastleGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Tottenham’s Europa League semi-final second leg with Bodo/Glimt.
Spurs take a 3-1 advantage to the Arctic but will need to withstand the harsh, unorthodox conditions to book their place in the Europa League final.
The Norwegian club are bidding to be the first from the nation to reach a European final and set up a meeting with either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao.
Stay tuned for all the build-up and team news ahead of tonight’s clash.
You must be registered for see images attach
Continue reading...
