From Anfield Agony to Europa Euphoria? Spurs Aim to Channel the Ghost of ’84

Right then. After yet another scarring day out at Anfield (is it even a proper season if we don’t get steamrolled up there?), Spurs now turn their weary eyes to something that might salvage what’s been a pretty rotten campaign — a proper tilt at European silverware.

Yes, Thursday night under the N17 lights brings us a Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt, a team whose name sounds like a Scandinavian IKEA shelf but who are very much a threat — especially given our current form.

Pain in the Mersey

Let’s not sugar-coat it: Sunday was grim. Spurs rolled into Liverpool with eight changes and about as much backbone as a wet tea towel. Ange’s heavily rotated side gave us four glorious minutes of delusional hope after Solanke popped up with a surprise opener. Then, predictably, Liverpool remembered they were playing us and turned on the title-winning style, cruising to a 5-1 win and reminding us why we haven’t had a parade in 17 years.

That result marked our third straight Premier League defeat and left us dangling in 16th — a far cry from the “Angeball revolution” we toasted in September. Were it not for the promoted teams being worse than a pub team, we’d be glancing nervously at the trapdoor.

Europe: Our Saving Grace?

And yet, despite the Premier League despair, our Europa League campaign has offered rare joy — and dare we say it, a whiff of actual hope. The narrow win away to Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, courtesy of another Solanke spot-kick, kept the dream alive. That night in Germany? It felt like something was brewing. Something more than just our usual cup exit.

Ange, who’s had a handy knack of bagging trophies in year two at his previous clubs, now has a glorious shot at ending Spurs’ 17-year silverware drought — and adding a first European title since 1984. That year, for context, was the last time we won anything with any continental credibility. (And no, the Audi Cup doesn’t count.)

Enter Bodo/Glimt: Europe’s Northern Dark Horses

Our opponents hail from Norway, but don’t let the scenic fjords fool you — they’re not here for a guided tour of White Hart Lane. Bodo/Glimt have been shaking things up since winning their first Eliteserien in 2020 and have made history by becoming the first Norwegian side to reach a European semi-final.

They arrive unbeaten in their league campaign, fresh off a comfortable 3-0 win over KFUM Oslo. Danish striker Kasper Waarts Hogh — who bagged a brace at the weekend — is their main man, tied at the top of the Europa League scoring charts with seven goals. Not exactly Haaland numbers, but enough to keep Romero and Van de Ven honest.

Historically, they’ve lost all three of their clashes with English clubs, but they gave Man United a scare not long ago and will fancy themselves to do more than just make up the numbers on Thursday.

Team News: Reinforcements Incoming

After Sunday’s Anfield experiment went about as well as a wet fireworks display, Ange is expected to bring back the big guns. Van de Ven and Romero should restore some stability at the back, while Bentancur returns to midfield. Maddison is expected to pull the strings again, and Solanke — whose form has been one of few bright spots — leads the line alongside Kulusevski and young Mathys Tel.

Son remains a doubt, still nursing whatever mystery injury has kept him out for four games. He might be saved for the return leg in Norway — assuming we make it that far with our dignity intact.

Dragusin (knee) is out, and neither Werner nor Kinsky are eligible for the Europa League squad — not that we’ve seen much from either lately to mourn their absence.

As for the visitors, Bodo/Glimt have problems of their own. Suspensions have hit hard, with Helmersen, Berg and Evjen all ruled out. Defender Odin Bjortuft also limped off last weekend with a groin injury, and might not recover in time.

Prediction: Spurs 2-1 Bodo/Glimt

Let’s not pretend we’ll steamroll them. This is Spurs — even when we win, it’s rarely without heart palpitations. But with a full-strength side and a point to prove, we should have enough to edge the first leg at home. Just don’t be surprised if we do it the hard way and leave the tie hanging precariously before the trip to Norway.

Still, after a season of Premier League pain, we’d all take an ugly 2-1 win and a sniff of glory in May, wouldn’t we?