'Special' European night sees Tottenham one step closer to Europa League final

A dismal domestic season for Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham sees them placed 16th in the Premier League with just four games to go, but European glory is still on the cards following a first leg victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

Deprived of success for well over a decade, silverware is undoubtedly more significant for Tottenham than a strong league position.

While this doesn’t excuse their poor league form, Spurs are closing in on just their sixth European final in their history, with the chance to add their first trophy to the cabinet since a 2-1 League Cup final triumph over Chelsea in 2008.

The likes of Djed Spence, Archie Gray and Dejan Kulusevski have been amongst Spurs’ better performers this campaign, but Postecoglou opted to start the game without them.

Brennan Johnson repaid the manager’s faith, needing just 39 seconds to take the lead against a lacklustre Bodo/Glimt defence, sending the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into raptures.

Postecoglou commended the Tottenham supporters’ “outstanding” support, emphasising the added “energy” that they added to the game.

Often criticised this season, James Maddison doubled his side’s lead, and Tottenham were 2-0 up at the break. A first half performance that resembled a once confident Spurs side.

Dominic Solanke extended Tottenham’s lead, but their dominant display was hampered by a later consolation goal by Ulrik Saltnes.

There has been some expected conflict between fans and the Australian manager in recent weeks, with the question mooted as to whether he is the man to take Tottenham forward.

He complimented the efforts of the fans in a post-match press conference after the game, saying: "We've obviously had a tough season, but the European nights this year have still been pretty special and they played their part tonight, a massive role in us performing in the way we needed to."

Postecoglou further reflected on his side’s performance and the chance that they stand of making the Europa League final.

He added:

Obviously they scored the goal late, which doesn't reflect our dominance in the game, but if we repeat that performance next week it'll be enough for us to get through.

It was an optimistic and upbeat Postecoglou, something that hasn’t been all too common in the 2024/25 campaign, who knows his side are just 90 minutes away from earning the chance at the club's first European honour since 1984.

Ellis Statham

• Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
• Europa League
• European Football
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