When Tottenham Hotspur travelled to Aspmyra Stadion on , they were met by fierce resistance from Bodo/Glimt in a UEFA Champions League group‑stage clash. An 89th‑minute own goal off Jostein Gundersen rescued a point for the English side, leaving manager Kjetil Knutsen pondering what might have been.
Background: Spurs return to Norway
Tottenham’s trip marked their second visit to the Arctic‑coastal town of Bodø in just four months. The first visit, in March, saw the club clinch a memorable Europa League semi‑final win that still haunts the local supporters. This time, the stakes were higher – a Champions League group‑stage point is worth more than a night of glory. Coach Thomas Frank arrived with a squad that had slipped to three points after two opening matches, meaning every point now feels like a lifeline.
First Half: A Norwegian masterclass
The home side started bright. Early pressure from Kasper Hogh saw him stride forward for a penalty in the 12th minute. The conversion, however, slipped from his boot and was saved by Nikita Haikin, the towering goalkeeper who has already posted three clean sheets this season.
Instead of flinching, Bodo/Glimt kept the tempo high. Mid‑fielder Jens Petter Haugh drifted wide, delivering a curling cross that forced a defensive scramble. The half ended 0‑0, but the Norwegian fans could feel the winds of a possible upset.
Second Half: Two goals, a comeback, and a heart‑stopping finish
Only minutes after the restart, Haugh struck again – this time from the edge of the box, sending a low‑driven ball past Nick Pope for a 1‑0 lead. Five minutes later, the same midfielder slotted home his second, a clinical finish that left the Spurs defence scrambling. By the 55th minute, the scoreboard read 2‑0 in favor of the hosts.
Spurs, however, refused to fold. Stand‑in captain Micky van de Ven surged forward from centre‑back, heading home a corner to make it 2‑1 in the 68th minute. The goal sparked a roar from the travelling contingent and gave Thomas Frank a glimmer of hope.
Momentum built, and in the 84th minute Archie Gray unleashed a fierce effort from outside the box. Haikin tipped the shot onto the post, but the rebound ricocheted off Gundersen’s leg and rolled into the net. The own goal, recorded at 89:12, forced a 2‑2 finish and sent the Spurs bench into delirium.
Reactions from the dugouts
Post‑match, Knutsen lingered on the pitch, “We dominated the game, created chances, and deserved three points. Football can be cruel, but I’m proud of the team’s spirit.” He praised Haugh’s double‑strike, calling it “the quality we need to bring to every European night.”
Frank, meanwhile, highlighted resilience: “Three comebacks this month show our character. We didn’t play our best, but we fought. The point keeps us alive, and we’ll learn from the first‑half display.” Van de Ven added, “Scoring that header lifted the locker room. We had belief, and Archie’s shot gave us the chance.”
Impact: What the draw means for both clubs
- Tottenham Hotspur – remain on four points after three games, sitting third in Group C, one point behind second‑placed Benfica.
- Bodo/Glimt – drop to two points, now tied with Dynamo Kyiv for the bottom spot, making the final group fixture a must‑win.
- The result preserves Tottenham’s chances of qualifying for the knockout round but underscores defensive frailties that could haunt them later.
- For the Norwegian side, the missed opportunity fuels a narrative of ‘what‑could‑have‑been’ that may motivate a stronger performance in the return leg.
Statistically, Spurs completed only 42% of their passes in the first half, compared with 68% for Bodo/Glimt. Possession was 38‑62 in favour of the hosts. The own goal marked the third time this season that an away side escaped with a point thanks to a deflection.
What’s next for the group
Tottenham travel to Lisbon next week to face Benfica, hoping to turn the tide before the final round against Dynamo Kyiv. A win could catapult them into second place, while a loss may mire them in a relegation‑style battle.
Bodo/Glimt, on the other hand, return to Ukraine for a decisive clash with Dynamo Kyiv. A victory would swing the group, putting them back in contention for a Europa League drop‑down slot if they finish third.
Historical deep‑dive: English clubs in Norway
English teams have rarely ventured north of the Arctic Circle for competitive fixtures. The 2017 Europa League quarter‑final between Liverpool and Rosenborg was the last high‑profile encounter. Spurs’ 2023 semi‑final win at Aspmyra remains the only instance of an English side securing a knockout‑stage victory on Norwegian soil.
Norwegian clubs, meanwhile, have struggled to make an impact in Europe. Bodo/Glimt’s 2024 group‑stage triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers was hailed as a landmark. The current draw against Tottenham adds another chapter to a slowly growing legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this draw affect Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of advancing?
Tottenham sit on four points after three matches, trailing second‑placed Benfica by a single point. A win in their next game against Benfica would likely secure a knockout‑round spot, while a loss could force them into a last‑minute sprint against Dynamo Kyiv.
What were the key statistical differences between the two teams?
Bodo/Glimt out‑posessed Spurs 62‑38, completed 68% of passes compared with Spurs’ 42%, and registered twice as many shots on target. However, Spurs had a higher conversion rate, scoring two from four attempts.
Who scored the goals for Bodo/Glimt?
Mid‑fielder Jens Petter Haugh was the hero, netting both goals – one from a close‑range finish and the other a well‑timed strike from the edge of the box.
What did Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen say after the match?
Knutsen praised his side’s dominance but expressed frustration, noting, “We created the chances, we deserved three points. Football can be cruel, but we will learn and move forward.”
When is the next Champions League match for Bodo/Glimt?
The Norwegian outfit’s next group fixture is on October 23, 2025, when they travel to Kyiv to face Dynamo Kyiv, a must‑win if they hope to stay afloat in the group.
