Dan Godfrey

Fri 2 May 2025 6:42, UK

Tottenham Hotspur supporters were able to once again enjoy that winning feeling as they did half the job in Europe on Thursday.

Spurs have one foot into the Europa League final as they managed a 3-1 aggregate lead against Norwegian surprise package Bodo/Glimt – whom they visit next Thursday to finish the job (8 May).

Brennan Johnson’s first-minute goal, James Maddison’s strike and Dominic Solanke’s penalty have Ange Postecoglou’s men firmly in the ascendancy as they head to the Arctic Circle next week, though Kjetil Knutsen’s men do retain hope after Ulrik Saltnes’ deflected effort found the net late on for the visitors.

Dele Alli reacts to Tottenham Hotspur fans’ chant

Tottenham fans never forget those who made a key impact for them down the years, something once again discovered by a modern member of their alumni, Dele Alli.

The former England midfielder is now playing for Cesc Fabregas at Como, who have comfortably secured survival in Serie A, having made 269 appearances and scored 67 goals for Spurs.

Spurs fans showed their appreciation for Dele before the first leg of the Europa League semi-final (1 May), singing the same chant they would bellow during his playing days in North London while in the concourse at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 29-year-old offered his appreciation via social media, taking to X to respond with a series of heart emojis and a tearful smiley face.

Tottenham very clearly still holds a special place in the heart of the midfield magician, who has consistently been offered support from the way of Spurs having suffered regular hardship throughout his career.

Spurs must stand firm in Norway to book place in Bilbao

Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt were realistically worlds apart in terms of quality on Thursday night. It is exactly what the Spurs fans will have envisaged – though with the way this season has gone, more out of hope than expectation.

As it turned out, Tottenham could have had five or six, and were unlucky to concede in the latter stages as Rodrigo Bentancur – who was denied in the first half by a stunning stop from Nikita Haikin – deflected Saltnes’ strike up and over Guglielmo Vicario.

The consolation gives Bodo something to hold onto – after all, they mustered a 2-0 home victory over previous scalps Lazio in the quarter-final tie.

Knutsen’s men will want to make things as difficult as possible for Spurs, who must not only brave the colder climate but also deal with an artificial pitch, last seen in the FA Cup trip to Tamworth back in January.

In the adjacent semi-final, Manchester United are in dreamland having secured a 3-0 away victory against Athletic Club. They will be hoping for a low-key second leg at Old Trafford to book their return to Bilbao later this month, with an all-English final in prospect.