So, you were saying something about the awful season for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United?In a Hollywood-like twist of faith, the pair of English Premier League disappointments is about to book a do-or-die Europa League showdown after running riots in the first leg of the UEL semi-final.UEL: Bilbao’s tragedy is coloured red! United are knocking on the final’s door!Similar to their ‘neighbours’ on the EPL table, Spurs rushed to a much-deserved 3-1 home victory against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.Ange Postecoglou’s side went all-in faced with the charming Norwegian underdogs and, interestingly, it paid off for them within the opening minute.Richarlison spotted unmarked Brennan Jonhson on the far post, following a cross from the right, with the Brazilian putting it on a plate for the latter and shockingly early opener – the stalemate lasted only 39 seconds!Brennan Johnson scores the fastest-ever goal in a #UEL semi-final ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/cheAhEuQEo— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 1, 2025 Goaaaal ⚽️🏴 Brennan Johnson #Spurs 1 v 0 #BodoGlimt Johnson again Olé Olé goal no 17What a startRicharlison is on 🔥 #COYS 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/mIQNOaD8QC— Jonny H (@JonnyH3232) May 1, 2025 Breaking the deadlock so early meant the hosts could play relaxed the rest of the clash. Spurs were patient, consistent, and ready to punish Bodo’s lack of experience and pressure, as they were trailing almost straight from the kick-off.Another hole in their until-tonight unbreakable wall appeared around the 35-minute mark. Pedro Porro’s long ball reached James Maddison, who ran behind Bodo’s centre-back duo to finish it smoothly for 2-0.What an assist from Pedro Porro for Maddison’s goal! 🔥pic.twitter.com/k9Qpzkg3HY— Mari⁷ |🦋 (@mari_mavi5) May 1, 2025 From that moment on, everyone knew we were heading to a landslide win for Postecoglou’s men, who finally got themselves something to be happy about in this horrible season.The thrill became palpable when Dominic Solanke made it 3-0 from the spot as Cristian Romero was taken down in the box in the second half. A few minutes later, though, worried faces could be seen among the fans, when Maddison felt the pain in his right and limped off the pitch.A bit later, Solanke experienced pretty much the same, which led us to conclude that maybe both of them were slightly exaggerating to get some rest ahead of the return leg and the potential final.🚨🇪🇺 GOAL | Tottenham 3-1 Bodo Glimt | SaltnesSALTNES PULLS ONE BACK FOR BODO GLIMT !!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/2yjIZETszB— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) May 1, 2025 On the other hand, the visitors should be proud of themselves, not just for getting this far in Europe’s second-best competition, but also for pulling one back near the end to keep their dreams and hopes alive.Bodo’s captain Saltnes fired from inside the area as he dribbled past two Spurs’ defenders. His effort went past Vicario as it deflected off Bentancur.The rematch is scheduled for next Thursday in the Arctic Circle, which would be a proper test for Ange’s lot and their ability to prove consistency and stability. Without it, they don’t even deserve to book the ticket to the final in Bilbao, let alone beat Manchester United for the big triumph.UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – SEMI-FINALSFirst legThursdayAthletic Bilbao – Manchester United (0-3)/Casemiro 30, Fernandes 37 pen, 45/Tottenham – Bodo/Glimt 3-1 (2-0)/Johnson 1, Maddison 34, Solanke 61 pen – Saltnes 83/
