Tottenham closer to ending 17-year wait for silverware after booking Europa League final against Manchester United

Irish Independent

08-05-2025

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Six minutes later and it was 2-0 when Dejan Kulusevski played out to Porro, who lobbed Haikin with what appeared a cross.
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.