Tottenham are two games away from a European final, but their next Europa League test comes with a twist – they’re up against a side few know, but one that’s made history of their own. Let’s meet Spurs’ Europa League semi-final opponent, Bodo/Glimt.
Tottenham Hotspur did the business against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night as Dominic Solanke’s penalty proved to be the decider.
That win has now seen Spurs progress to the last four of the Europa League, where Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt await.
Of course, Glimt had to grind out their own result before setting up this clash with Tottenham, standing firm against Lazio, who came close to overturning a two-goal deficit.
Penalties were the ultimate decider, and Bodo/Glimt, against the odds, are now Europa League semi-finalists.
Tottenham fans have since reacted to their Europa League semi-final draw, warning Ange Postecoglou’s men against any hint of complacency when they lock horns with the Norwegians.
But who are they, and should Tottenham be worried about the Norwegian side looking to make history? Let’s find out.
Bodo Glimt – A little look at their history
Bodo/Glimt are a Norwegian professional football club from the town of Bodo, currently playing in Eliteserien – Norway’s top division.
They are four-time champions in Norway, having lifted the Eliteserien title in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024.
The club also boasts nine Northern Norwegian Cup wins and two Norwegian Cup triumphs. Their 1975 cup win made them the first team from northern Norway to secure a national title.
A look at Bodo/Glimt’s European pedigree
When it comes to Europe, the club’s most notable European run came in the 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League season, when they smashed Roma 8-3 on aggregate in the group stage and knocked out Celtic to reach the quarter-finals, where they eventually fell to Roma.
In 2025, Bodo/Glimt became the first ever Norwegian side to reach a European semi-final – the Europa League, after eliminating Lazio on penalties.
Andreas Helmersen’s extra-time equaliser levelled the tie 3-3 on aggregate, after a 2-0 win in the first leg.
| Season | Competition | Opponent | Stage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Cup Winners’ Cup | Napoli | First Round | Lost |
| 1978 | Cup Winners’ Cup | Inter Milan | First Round | Lost |
| 1994 | Cup Winners’ Cup | Sampdoria | First Round | Lost |
| 2004 | UEFA Cup | Besiktas | First Round | Lost |
| 2020 | Europa League | AC Milan | Qualifiers | Lost 3-2 |
| 2021-22 | Europa Conference League | Roma, Celtic | Quarter-Finals | Lost to Roma |
| 2023 | Europa Conference League | Lech Poznan | Knockout Play-offs | Lost |
| 2025 | Europa League | Spurs | Semi-Finals | Won on penalties |
Bodo/Glimt league record
Bodo/Glimt have made a strong start in their domestic campaign, winning both of their opening league fixtures.
They have scored four goals without conceding any, showing a solid balance at both ends of the pitch early on in the Eliteserien season, which only kicked off on 29 March.
Bodo/Glimt Europa League record
While the Norwegian league only recently resumed, Bodo/Glimt have had plenty of competitive action through their Europa League journey.
In the league phase of the competition, Kjetil Knutsen’s side impressed, winning four matches, drawing two and losing two. They finished ninth in the standings, narrowly missing out on an automatic knockout spot due to goal difference.
In the knockout rounds, they dispatched Twente 6-4 on aggregate to reach the round of 16. Then, Olympiacos were brushed aside 4-2 over two legs – a 3-0 home win was followed by a narrow 2-1 defeat away.
The quarter-finals brought Lazio, and Bodo/Glimt passed with flying colours. A 2-0 home win gave them the edge before a 3-1 defeat in Rome forced penalties, where they held their nerve to win 3-2.
Head to head vs Spurs
Next up for Bodo/Glimt is Tottenham Hotspur – a side they’ve never faced before in their history. The Norwegian side has never made it this far in Europe, which in itself is history.
Of course, with their fairy tale European campaign still alive, Kjetil Knutsen’s side would be hoping to pull off another shock result when they take on Spurs in the semi-finals.
The semi-final first leg on 1 May 2025 marks the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, and it promises to be a landmark clash for both sides.
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