Tottenham Draw Bodo/Glimt in Europa League Semifinal – But Ange Postecoglou Knows Not to Underestimate the Norwegian Underdogs
Tottenham Hotspur have been handed what many would consider a favourable Europa League semifinal draw, as they prepare to take on Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt. On paper, it looks like a golden opportunity for the North London side to book a place in the final. However, manager Ange Postecoglou will be urging caution within the camp, given his own personal experience with this very opponent.
Spurs fans are understandably thrilled with how the Europa League bracket has unfolded. Having already knocked out one of the pre-tournament favourites, Eintracht Frankfurt, in an impressive quarterfinal display, Tottenham now face what appears to be a more manageable challenge in Bodo/Glimt. But this is a team that has already proven they’re not just making up the numbers.
Bodo/Glimt have been one of the competition’s true Cinderella stories. The Norwegian champions shocked the footballing world by defeating Serie A giants Lazio in the last round, a result that firmly established them as giant-killers in this year’s tournament. Their journey to the semifinals has included gritty and fearless performances against strong opposition like FC Twente and Olympiacos, and they’ll be relishing the chance to add another big name to their list of scalps.
Ange Postecoglou’s Painful Past with Bodo/Glimt
While the tie may be new territory for many Tottenham fans, it’s anything but unfamiliar to Ange Postecoglou. The Australian coach has faced Bodo/Glimt before, and the memories are far from fond.
During his first season in charge of Celtic, Postecoglou’s side faced the Norwegians in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League. At the time, Celtic were in fine form, and confidence was high. However, Bodo/Glimt delivered a sobering footballing lesson, comfortably dispatching the Scottish giants 5-1 on aggregate. They won both legs — at Celtic Park and at home in Norway — leaving a lasting impression on Postecoglou.
It was a harsh reminder that in European competitions, reputations mean little, and preparation means everything. That experience will surely shape the way the Spurs boss approaches this upcoming semifinal.
Why Spurs Must Approach the Tie with Caution
Tottenham will undoubtedly enter the tie as the favourites, boasting a stronger squad on paper and more European pedigree. But if there’s one thing this season’s Europa League has taught, it’s that no opponent should be taken lightly — especially not a team like Bodo/Glimt, who have built their campaign on fearlessness and cohesion.
Reaching a European semifinal is no fluke. Bodo/Glimt have earned their place with conviction, and their recent results prove they can rise to the occasion. With a tactically astute coach, a well-drilled system, and players full of belief, the Norwegian side will travel to London with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Postecoglou knows that his players must be fully locked in across both legs. He will likely stress the importance of making the most of home advantage in the first match and avoiding complacency at all costs. The away leg in Norway could prove to be a tricky affair, especially given the hostile conditions and Bodo/Glimt’s strong record on home soil.
Ultimately, while Tottenham supporters may be dreaming of a place in the Europa League final, Postecoglou will be laser-focused on avoiding another Bodo/Glimt upset — one that could derail what has been an otherwise promising European campaign.