Europa League semi-final betting: Can Tottenham survive an Arctic scare at Bodo/Glimt?

New York Times

07-05-2025

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The second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final kicks off Thursday, with Tottenham travelling to Norway to face a dangerous Bodo/Glimt side just 90 minutes away from making history. The North Londoners hold a 3-1 lead after the first leg, but injuries to key players and a tough away environment mean this tie is far from over.
With a place in the final in Bilbao on the line, there's plenty for punters to sink their teeth into. From goal threat analysis to tactical shifts, here's everything you need to know before placing your bets. Arctic threat: Why Glimt are underdogs to watch
At the start of the season, Ange Postecoglou confidently claimed he 'always wins things in his second year' with a club. Bookmakers seem to back that prophecy, with Spurs entering the second leg as unanimous betting favourites.
The Lilywhites may hold a two-goal cushion, but they travel to Norway on Thursday to face a side famously tough to beat at home. In European competition, Glimt have built a reputation for unsettling bigger clubs in their frigid fortress: the Aspmyra Stadion. Kjetil Knutsen's men proved as much by beating Lazio by two goals in the quarter-final first leg, and then held their nerve to advance on penalties in Rome.
Momentum is also on Glimt's side. Ulrik Saltnes' late goal in London wasn't just a consolation, but a psychological blow. It gave the Norwegians belief and ensured Spurs left the first leg feeling slightly uneasy about their efforts. Heading into a hostile environment seven days on with that goal fresh in the collective mind only increases the pressure on the squad.
A heavily depleted squad for the visitors also warrants a mention as Spurs are literally and figuratively attempting to limp their way to the final. Lucas Bergvall is out for the season with an ankle injury, James Maddison's knee issue has no clear return date, and while Son Heung-min has resumed individual training, he remains a doubt after missing four games in all competitions. Postecoglou has even hinted he may not play again this campaign. Another challenge for Spurs is the artificial turf at Aspmyra Stadion. While the home team is used to it, the Englishmen are not.
So, was Postecoglou's September swagger premature? Perhaps. If Glimt pull off the upset, Spurs' trophy cabinet will remain as bare and unforgiving as the Arctic cold. Spurs are bland in the league — but spicy in Europe
Despite Spurs' injury setbacks and poor domestic form, they've been a different beast in the Europa League — and there's a clear roadmap for how they can finish the job in Norway.
It starts with tactical decisiveness. In the first leg, Postecoglou leaned into physicality and experience rather than youthful flair, and it paid off. The 59-year-old handed Richarlison his first start on the left since October 2023, favouring the Brazilian's power over the consistency of youngsters Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel. That choice was vindicated 38 seconds in; Richarlison soared past his marker to win a header, teeing up Brennan Johnson for the opener. It was a classic example of going for proven strength in big moments — something Spurs may rely on in the second leg.
The fastest ever goal in a Europa League semi-final ⚡️
Brennan Johnson in 38 seconds ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/nDhcrvV9X8
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 2, 2025
Yves Bissouma was another inspired selection. Preferred over Pape Matar Sarr in midfield, the 28-year-old used his steely grit to keep a lid on the game's tempo.
Then there's Spurs' shift in style. While Postecoglou's side typically avoids long balls in the Premier League — they've played the fewest of any team this season with 1,208 — they've been more pragmatic, and direct in Europe. The opener against Eintracht Frankfurt came from a Cristian Romero ball over the top to Maddison, drawing a penalty after the goalkeeper took out the 28-year-old. Last week against Glimt, a similar long-range pass nearly produced a second goal in the sixth minute, which would've gone in if Maddison's volley didn't sail over the crossbar.
If Spurs want to neutralize Glimt's press, long, direct passes could be key. Even without Maddison on the end of them, Solanke and Johnson have the movement and pace to exploit gaps in defence, especially if the Norwegians push high from the outset.
Overall, Postecoglou's side may appear battered, but they're also battle-tested. With the right blend of pace, strength and belief, they have the tools to freeze Glimt's fairytale in its tracks — and extend their own. What the first leg exposed – and how to bet on the second
Spurs were tactically sharp in the first leg. Maddison man-marked midfielder Sondre Brunstad Fet while Johnson and Richarlison pressed high to pin Glimt's full-backs. The press was aggressive, often involving five or six players cutting off passing angles. But without Maddison's intelligence, Fet may dictate more in the second leg, which could tilt midfield control in the home team's favour and affect the overs market.
Additionally, in the first leg, Glimt responded to conceding early by pushing their centre-backs forward into open space left by Fet. If Spurs' press is even slightly looser in the second leg, expect Glimt's backline to step into midfield and build momentum early.
That tactical wrinkle adds weight to both teams to score at 1/2. Both sides showed attacking threat in London, and Spurs' injuries only increase the chances of another open affair. For those backing a quick start, both teams to score in the first half at 5/2 offers solid value, especially if Glimt come flying out.
As for goalscorers, Dominic Solanke (17/10) is most likely to strike according to bookmakers. Richarlison (9/5) remains a counter-attacking threat, while Kasper Høgh (21/10) offers longer-odds value depending on who gets the nod to start.
Bottom line: with Spurs missing key pieces and Glimt chasing the game at home, don't rule out fireworks at both ends. More Europa League stories
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(Photo of Dominic Solanke : Richard Heathcote / Getty Images)