Tottenham Hotspur came back from 2-0 to tie 2-2 vs Bodo/Glimt in the Arctic Circle in their second Champions League match of the campaign.
Another awful performance by Spurs this month was rescued by yet another late equaliser as they struggled badly against a familiar opponent.
Just four months ago, Spurs met Bodo in the Europa League semi finals and were miles better, but this time it must have hurt fans to watch the kind of football on display. They went two goals down and frankly should have been further behind had Bodo taken their chances. In the end, Spurs somehow clawed it back.
Thomas Frank rested several big names with Cristian Romero not travelling at all, while Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus started on the bench. Spurs without those three looked a completely different side, and the drop in level was clear.
First half: Bodo/Glimt 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur
The first chance of the game fell to Bodo as Guglielmo Vicario was called into action early on, tipping over a long-range strike from Berg.
Spurs did actually fashion the best chance to open the scoring when Bergvall surged down the left and squared a tap-in for Richarlison, but the Brazilian failed to sort his feet out in front of goal. That proved to be Tottenham’s only real attacking moment of the half.
Unusually, it was not even one of those games where Spurs had all of the ball and looked poor with it. Instead, Bodo dominated possession while Spurs could hardly string 2 passes together. Defensively, they at least remained stubborn, but the hosts were clearly the side on top.
Bodo were eventually handed the perfect opportunity to score when Bentancur clattered into Bjorkan with a clumsy sliding tackle even though the cross had already been sent in. It was as unnecessary as it gets. Luckily for Spurs, Kasper Hogh blasted the penalty over the bar to keep it goalless.
Tottenham did not learn their lesson and Bodo continued to waste chances. Fet should have scored when a low ball reached him inside the six yard box, only for him to sky his effort high over the bar when it was easier to score.
Second half: Bodo/Glimt 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Despite the warning signs, Frank decided not to make changes at half time. Sometimes trusting the same players backfires, and here it really did.
Ten minutes into the second half, Bodo finally got what they deserved. Jens Petter Hauge cut inside from the left, turned Porro far too easily and curled a strike into the far corner beyond Vicario.
Spurs thought they had an instant response when Bentancur flicked into the net within 2 minutes of conceding, but VAR ruled it out for a Van de Ven foul in the build-up.
Just when Tottenham looked like they might raise the tempo, Bodo punished them again. Hauge once more picked up the ball, moved into space, and this time shot into the bottom corner to double Bodo’s advantage.
This time within 2 minutes of conceding though, Spurs pulled one back. Pedro Porro crossed in from a free kick, and captain Micky van de Ven rose highest to head into the net.
The introduction of Kudus, Xavi and Palhinha then transformed Spurs, who suddenly looked sharper and began to create chances. Odobert rattled the crossbar from a Kudus delivery, before Helmersen struck the woodwork at the other end too.
With the final minutes ticking away, Tottenham grabbed an unlikely equaliser. Archie Gray broke in behind and forced Haikin into a save. The rebound struck Gundersen under pressure from Richarlison and bounced into the net. After a lengthy VAR check for offside, the goal stood to rescue Spurs.
Bodo still had one last chance to win it when Blomberg’s effort drifted inches wide, but Spurs survived to escape with a draw.
FT: BODO/GLIMT 2-2 TOTTENHAM
Spurs Web man of the match: Micky Van de Ven
What’s next for Spurs?
It was painfully obvious where it went wrong for Spurs. Bodo were stronger in duels, more aggressive in their pressing and marked man to man superbly. That made it feel as if Tottenham players had nowhere to go with the ball.
At the same time, Spurs deserve credit for showing character and fighting back from two goals down. It keeps them fourth in the Champions League standings, although most of the teams below still have a game in hand.
Next up, Tottenham return to the Premier League on Saturday where they face Leeds United before the two week international break.