Tottenham will take a two-goal lead to Norway for their Europa League semi-final decider next Thursday after a 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg.
Brennan Johnson’s 17th goal of the season gave Spurs the perfect start after just 38 seconds and James Maddison cute finish made it 2-0 before half-time.
A Dominic Solanke penalty, awarded after Fredrik Sjovold caught Cristian Romero, gave Spurs daylight in the tie with 30 minutes remaining.
But Glimt earned a foothold in the tie when Ulrik Saltnes wriggled free in the box and fired home a deflected effort.
Here’s how we rated the Spurs players...
Guglielmo Vicario 6
Well beaten by Saltnes’ late strike, which took a big deflection off Bentancur. Otherwise untroubled.
Pedro Porro 9
Made both goals with brilliant balls in a decisive display with the ball.
Cristian Romero 7
Won the penalty by stealing in front of the unfortaunate Sjovold. He was excellent with the ball but allowed Saltnes to wriggle free for the Glimt goal.
Micky van de Ven 8
Commanding in and out of possession, helping to snuff out the odd Glimt attack and driving forward with the ball when the opportunities arose.
Destiny Udogie 7
Looked confident and got into some good positions. Blazed over a presentable chance after good work by Solanke and forced a late save from the goalkeeper.
Rodrigo Bentancur 6
Came close to a spectacular goal by Nikita Haikin kept out his fierce volley. Had a decent game as the link-man in midfield and unfortunate that Glimt’s goal deflected in off his outstretched leg.
Yves Bissouma 8
Produced his best performance in months to justify Postecoglou’s decision to pick him as Lucas Bergvall’s replacement. Won the ball in the build-up to the opening goal and broke up a series of Glimt attacks. The less said about his shooting the better, though.
James Maddison 9
Delivered another big moment in the Europa League with a well-taken goal to cap an lively performance. Immediately signalled to the bench after pulling up in the second half, which will be a major concern for Postecoglou.
Brennan Johnson 6
Made no mistake from close range to open the scoring. Lacked a killer instinct in the final third thereafter, however.
Richarlison 7
Justified his selection within 40 seconds with an unselfish header into Johnson’s path. Got in some good positions but did not have the beating of his man.
Dominic Solanke 8
Rolled in a cool spot-kick to give Spurs daylight in the tie. Held up the ball brilliantly as Spurs opted for a direct game-plan.
Subs
Mathys Tel (Richarlison 46’) 6
Less energetic in the press than Richarlison but had some lively moments.
Dejan Kulusevski (Maddison 65’) 6
Put himself about for the final half-hour. Will be needed as a creative No10 if Maddison is injured.
Wilson Odobert (Solanke 75’) 6
Produced a couple of eye-catching pieces of play in a late cameo.
Not used: Austin, Whiteman, Danso, Gray, Spence, Sarr, Davies, Moore.
