The Arctic Circle is not a typical football destination. Yet Tottenham Hotspur travelled there for a crucial Champions League clash. The match against Bodø/Glimt proved far tougher than expected. This story of survival in Norway will be remembered for a long time.
Thomas Frank’s Spurs side arrived with high hopes. They left with a hard-fought 2-2 draw and many questions. The journey to Aspmyra Stadion is never easy. Consequently, this result might feel like a point gained rather than two lost.[citation:1]
Match Recap: How the Action Unfolded
The home side started brightly in front of their fans. Bodø/Glimt pressed high and caused early problems. Their artificial pitch and freezing conditions disrupted Tottenham’s rhythm. Therefore, the Norwegian champions looked surprisingly comfortable against their famous opponents.[citation:1]
Tottenham struggled to create clear chances for long periods. The midfield lacked creativity without James Maddison and Dejan life Kulusevski. Xavi Simons and Lucas Bergvall worked hard to fill the gap. However, Spurs found themselves defending deep in a low block for much of the game.[citation:1]
Bodø/Glimt missed a penalty that could have changed everything. The home crowd groaned as the spot kick flew wide. Nevertheless, the Norwegian side took the lead through a well-worked attacking move. Tottenham looked vulnerable on the counter-attack throughout the first half.[citation:1]
Spurs fell further behind early in the second period. The situation looked desperate for Thomas Frank’s men. However, Pedro Porro’s excellent crossing dragged his team back into contention. Two late goals rescued a point when defeat seemed certain. Consequently, the final whistle brought relief rather than celebration.[citation:1]
Tactical Analysis: Frank’s Defensive Approach Exposed
Thomas Frank arrived with a reputation for tactical flexibility. At Brentford, his teams defended deep and hit on the break. Against Bodø/Glimt, those same tendencies appeared very clearly. Spurs voluntarily dropped into a low block for large portions of the game.[citation:1]
The image of all eleven Tottenham players behind the ball was striking. For a club of Spurs’ resources and ambition, this approach raised eyebrows. Critics wondered why a team with Xavi Simons and Pedro Porro played so defensively. Frank seems to have brought many Brentford tactics to his new club.[citation:1]
Tottenham’s build-up play showed concerning patterns too. The team overemphasised progression via the wings. Players repeatedly moved the ball wide instead of centrally. This made it easier for Bodø/Glimt to regain possession deep in Spurs’ half. Consequently, the Norwegian side enjoyed 52% possession against a Premier League giant.[citation:1]
There were also few options in the middle of the pitch. Kevin Danso would charge forward with the ball and find no passing lanes. The same issue occurred when Djed Spence and Pedro Porro tried to advance. This tactical flaw allowed Bodø/Glimt to steal the ball and launch dangerous counter-attacks repeatedly.[citation:1]
Team News and Predicted Lineup
Injuries severely limited Thomas Frank’s selection options. Cristian Romero missed the trip as a “precaution” according to the manager. Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Yves Bissouma all remained sidelined. Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani were also unavailable for this European fixture.[citation:2][citation:3]
The predicted starting XI reflected these absences. Guglielmo Vicario started in goal as expected. Pedro Porro returned to right-back after beginning on the bench at the weekend. Kevin Danso partnered Micky van de Ven in central defence. Destiny Udogie retained his spot at left-back.[citation:2]
Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr operated in central midfield. Mohamed Kudus provided width and invention on the right flank. Xavi Simons played either as a No.10 or from the left. Lucas Bergvall added creative spark in the advanced midfield role. Richarlison led the line once again despite looking fatigued.[citation:2]
Head-to-Head History
Tottenham has faced Bodø/Glimt twice before this season. Both previous meetings came in last season’s Europa League semi-final. Spurs won 2-0 at home before securing another 2-0 victory in Norway. The aggregate score of 4-0 sent Tottenham to the final, which they eventually won.[citation:1][citation:4]
Memorable images emerged after that away victory. Tottenham players danced with the crowd in the freezing Arctic air. The scenes captured the joy of reaching a European final. However, that Europa League win was not enough to save Ange Postecoglou’s job. The Australian manager departed in the summer despite ending the 17-year trophy drought.[citation:1]
Overall, Spurs have won both competitive meetings between these clubs. Tottenham has scored 5 goals across the two matches. Bodø/Glimt has managed only 1 goal in reply. Nevertheless, the Norwegian side has clearly improved since those Europa League encounters.[citation:4]
Concerns Emerging Under Thomas Frank
Results have been generally positive since Frank took charge. Spurs sit fourth in the Premier League table. They have conceded just four goals in their opening league matches. However, a worrying trend may be emerging beneath the surface statistics.[citation:1]
If you discount the win against Doncaster Rovers, Spurs have won only two of six games. They seem to rely heavily on scoring late goals to rescue results. Against Bournemouth at home, Tottenham managed just one shot on target. The Cherries produced six shots on target in reply. Consequently, fans are asking whether the style of play is sustainable.[citation:1]
Frank has made Tottenham defensively sound. That much is clear from the statistics. However, the team may spend more time defending deep near their own box. This could rob Spurs of the attacking identity they developed under Postecoglou. The bar was extremely low after last season’s Premier League struggles. Therefore, early wins gave Frank a strong platform to build upon.[citation:1]
Champions League Standings Implications
This draw leaves Tottenham in a solid Champions League position. Thomas Frank’s team sit ninth in the competition rankings. They have drawn one game and beaten Villarreal in their other fixture. Therefore, four points from two matches represents a decent return.[citation:1]
Bodø/Glimt have also impressed as Champions League debutants. Kjetil Knutsen’s team earned a point in game week one. They overturned a 2-0 deficit to draw with Slavia Prague. The Norwegian champions are proving they belong at this level despite limited resources.[citation:3]
Both teams will view this result as valuable in their group. Spurs avoided a damaging defeat in a hostile environment. Bodø/Glimt claimed a credible point against Premier League opposition. Consequently, the race for qualification remains wide open after two matchdays.[citation:3]
FAQs
When did Tottenham play Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League?
The match took place on Tuesday, 30 September 2025 at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodø, Norway. Kick-off was at 8pm BST. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.
What was the score between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham?
The final score was Bodø/Glimt 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs came from behind to rescue a point with two late goals. Pedro Porro’s crossing was crucial to the comeback.
Who is the manager of Tottenham in 2025?<brthomas frank="" is="" the="" tottenham="" manager.="" he="" replaced="" ange="" postecoglou="" in="" summer="" after="" spurs="" won="" europa="" league.="" previously="" managed="" brentford="" premier="" league.
Have Tottenham ever lost to Bodø/Glimt?<brno, tottenham="" has="" never="" lost="" to="" bodø="" glimt.="" spurs="" have="" won="" two="" previous="" meetings="" and="" drawn="" this="" champions="" league="" encounter.="" the="" aggregate="" score="" across="" three="" matches="" is="" 7-3="" in="" tottenham's="" favour.
Why were so many Tottenham players injured for this match?<brspurs were="" missing="" dejan="" kulusevski,="" james="" maddison,="" yves="" bissouma,="" dominic="" solanke,="" randal="" kolo="" muani,="" and="" radu="" dragusin.="" the="" heavy="" fixture="" schedule="" pre-existing="" injuries="" left="" thomas="" frank="" with="" limited="" options="" for="" selection.
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