Bodo/Glimt Aims for Another Upset Against Tottenham in Europa League Semis

London, England — Bodo/Glimt faces Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals Thursday evening, aiming to build on their impressive record against larger teams. The Norwegian champions, from a town of just 55,000 people, have made history by becoming the first team from their country to reach a men’s semi-final in Europe.

Bodo/Glimt’s fans, known for their spirited support, often bring giant yellow toothbrushes to matches, symbolizing their unique identity. The team has surprised many by knocking out well-established clubs, including Porto, Twente, Olympiakos, and Lazio, during their journey to the semi-finals.

Manager Kjetil Knutsen has transformed Bodo/Glimt since joining in 2017, turning their fortunes around from near bankruptcy to domestic champions. ‘We were bankrupt in 2010, but we were then able to bounce back,’ Thomas Solberg, a member of the supporters’ group, recalled.

The team’s impressive achievements were often supported by a close-knit community, with fans and players often seen sharing everyday life in Bodo. Chris Shaul, a fan who moved to Bodo from England, remarked, ‘It is like they are a big family. Many players have grown up here and socialize together.’

Tottenham’s coach, Ange Postecoglou, said his side would not underestimate Bodo/Glimt. ‘They’ve earned their place in the semifinals and done well to get here,’ he stressed. However, Spurs are under pressure after a difficult Premier League season, sitting low in the standings with Coach Postecoglou’s job potentially on the line.

Tottenham will be without captain Heung-Min Son for the match, leaving them with additional challenges. Nevertheless, midfielder James Maddison expressed confidence in the team, stating, ‘We want to reward the fans for their support by creating something special.’

Bodo/Glimt’s players also recognize the stakes. Defender Jostein Gundersen noted, ‘It’s cold, windy, and we play on artificial grass. It might be tough for Tottenham.’ As they prepare for the match, Bodo/Glimt hopes to leverage their home-field advantage in the second leg to secure a chance at making more history.