The UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg promises an electrifying clash as Bodo/Glimt host Tottenham Hotspur at the Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Spurs carry a commanding 3-1 lead from the first leg in North London, but the Norwegian champions, buoyed by their formidable home record and the unique challenge of their artificial pitch, are determined to overturn the deficit. With a place in the final against either Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao at stake, both teams are set to leave everything on the pitch in this high-stakes encounter.
Prediction
Tottenham hold a significant advantage following their dominant first-leg performance, where they overwhelmed Bodo/Glimt with 24 shots to the Norwegians’ three, scoring through Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke. Despite a late consolation goal from Ulrik Saltnes, Spurs are favorites to progress.
Bodo/Glimt, however, are a force at home, boasting five consecutive victories at Aspmyra Stadion across all competitions and a knack for high-scoring games. The artificial pitch and intense atmosphere could unsettle Tottenham, who have struggled defensively, keeping just one clean sheet in their last 15 matches. While Bodo/Glimt will push aggressively to close the two-goal gap, Tottenham’s attacking quality, particularly on the counter, should see them through. A high-scoring draw, with both teams finding the net, appears the most likely outcome, allowing Spurs to advance to the final.
Head-to-head
The first leg on May 1, 2025, marked the first competitive meeting between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham, with Spurs securing a 3-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tottenham have a perfect record against Norwegian opposition, winning all four previous encounters against Lyn Oslo and Tromso, both home and away.
Bodo/Glimt, meanwhile, have struggled against English sides, losing all three of their European meetings with Premier League clubs, including a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United earlier this season and two losses to Arsenal. The Norwegians’ late goal in the first leg keeps their hopes alive, but history suggests Tottenham’s experience against Norwegian teams gives them the edge.
Possible lineups
Bodo/Glimt welcome back key players Patrick Berg, Hakon Evjen, and Andreas Helmersen, who were suspended for the first leg, bolstering their midfield and attack. However, defender Odin Bjortuft remains a doubt due to injury, with Daniel Bassi as their only confirmed absentee. A likely 4-3-3 formation could see Nikita Haikin in goal, a backline of Fredrik Sjovold, Villads Nielsen, Jostein Gundersen, and Fredrik Bjorkan, a midfield trio of Evjen, Berg, and Ulrik Saltnes, and attackers Isak Maatta, Kasper Hogh, and Ole Blomberg, with Hogh being a standout threat as the competition’s joint-top scorer with seven goals.
Tottenham face a significant blow with James Maddison sidelined for the season due to a knee injury and Lucas Bergvall also unavailable. Son Heung-min is a doubt, but Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski are expected to feature prominently. Ange Postecoglou is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 with Guglielmo Vicario in goal, defenders Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie, midfielders Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Kulusevski, and forwards Brennan Johnson, Solanke, and Richarlison.
Betting tips
The betting markets reflect Tottenham’s advantage, with odds favoring them to progress, but Bodo/Glimt’s home form makes this a tricky encounter. A recommended bet is both teams to score (BTTS Yes) at -200, given Bodo/Glimt’s scoring streak in 14 consecutive Europa League matches and Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities, conceding in 12 of their 13 European games this season. Over 2.5 goals is another strong option at around -150, as eight of Tottenham’s 13 Europa League matches and Bodo/Glimt’s high-tempo home games often produce goals. For a player-specific bet, Dominic Solanke to score anytime at +150 is appealing, considering his recent form with two goals in three appearances and seven goal involvements (three goals, four assists) in Europe this season.
Finally, Bodo/Glimt to win at least three corners at -120 is a solid pick, as they average 6.43 corners per home game in the competition, and their need to chase the game will likely lead to sustained pressure. Always gamble responsibly, and odds are subject to change.
This clash promises drama, and while Tottenham are poised to reach the final, Bodo/Glimt’s home prowess ensures they won’t go down without a fight. Fans can catch the action live on TNT Sports 2 at 8pm BST, with the Aspmyra Stadion set to host a thrilling battle.