Tottenham Hotspur have booked their place in the UEFA Europa League final with a commanding 2-0 victory over Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, sealing a 5-1 aggregate win. The semi-final second leg, held in the Arctic Circle, saw goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro, marking Spurs’ first European final appearance since 2019 .
Solanke’s Crucial Opener
Dominic Solanke, who joined Tottenham from Bournemouth in August 2024 for a reported £55 million, opened the scoring in the 63rd minute. Capitalizing on a well-executed set piece, Solanke’s goal effectively ended Bodø/Glimt’s hopes of a comeback. This goal adds to Solanke’s growing reputation, having previously scored decisive goals in earlier Europa League rounds, including a penalty against Eintracht Frankfurt that secured Spurs’ semi-final berth .
Porro Seals the Victory
Pedro Porro doubled Tottenham’s lead with a remarkable long-range effort, catching the Bodø/Glimt goalkeeper off guard. Porro’s performance throughout the tie was instrumental, providing both defensive solidity and offensive threat. His contributions have been vital in Spurs’ European campaign, with this goal marking his 13th direct contribution of the season .
Tactical Mastery by Postecoglou
Manager Ange Postecoglou, known for his attacking philosophy, showcased tactical flexibility by adopting a more pragmatic approach in Norway. Recognizing the challenges posed by Bodø/Glimt’s artificial pitch and the Arctic conditions, Spurs focused on disciplined defending and strategic pressing. This approach effectively neutralized the hosts’ attacking threats, with standout performances from defenders Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven .
Aiming for European Glory
Tottenham’s victory sets up an all-English Europa League final against Manchester United, scheduled for May 21 at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. Despite a challenging domestic season, with Spurs currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, the Europa League presents an opportunity to end a 17-year trophy drought. A win in the final would also secure a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League .
Solanke’s Impact Since Joining Spurs
Since his arrival, Solanke has become a key figure in Tottenham’s attack. His ability to score crucial goals in high-stakes matches has been evident throughout the Europa League campaign. Solanke’s performances have not only contributed to Spurs’ European success but have also provided a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing domestic season .
What’s Next
As Tottenham prepare for the final in Bilbao, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum built during their European run. With key players like Solanke and Porro in form, and under the strategic guidance of Postecoglou, Spurs have a genuine opportunity to claim European silverware and reignite their ambitions on the continental stage.
The upcoming final not only offers a chance for redemption but also the possibility of a brighter future for Tottenham Hotspur, both domestically and in Europe.
