A two-goal benefit heading into the away second leg of a Europa League knockout tie, Tottenham had been on this state of affairs 4 years in the past – and it didn’t finish effectively.
Jose Mourinho’s Spurs let a first-leg 2-0 lead slip towards Dinamo Zagreb after a 3-0 extra-time loss in Croatia. The turnaround was much more extraordinary contemplating Dinamo had been managerless, having misplaced their head coach to a jail sentence between the primary and second legs.
Now Bodo/Glimt are aiming to emulate Dinamo’s comeback on Thursday, with Tottenham holding a 3-1 first-leg semi-final lead. Historical past, nonetheless, will not be on the Norwegians’ facet.
A two-goal first-leg semi-final deficit has by no means been overturned for the reason that competitors was rebranded because the Europa League in 2009/10.
You must return 37 years – when the competitors was often known as the UEFA Cup – for the final time it occurred as Espanyol beat Membership Brugge 3-0 at residence to win 3-2 on mixture and attain the 1988 last.
‘Synthetic pitch is a bonus for us’
However what is going to give Bodo/Glimt actual perception they’ll grow to be Europa League history-makers is their distinctive residence fortress.
The 8,270-seater Aspymyra Stadion – situated above the Arctic Circle – boasts a difficult synthetic pitch, freezing temperatures and a cramped ambiance. It has grow to be an icy graveyard for visiting groups.
Bodo/Glimt play on the 8,270-capacity Aspmyra Stadion
Kjetil Knutsen’s facet have gained 28 of their final 34 residence video games in all European competitions, and are on a five-game profitable European residence run with their final victory coming towards Lazio.
Simply hours earlier than going through the Italian giants, the Bodo/Glimt pitch was buried in snow, however a mix of under-soil heating, snow ploughs and hard-working groundstaff noticed the sport go forward.
However Lazio want it had not, as they misplaced the quarter-final first leg 2-0 – the artificial floor proving significantly problematic.
“They’d velocity of their exchanges due to the bogus pitch,” Lazio boss Marco Baroni instructed Sky in Italy.
The Aspmyra Stadion is situated above the Arctic Circle
So how a lot does the bogus pitch actually give the Norwegian champions the higher hand?
“There is not any doubt it is a bonus for us,” reveals Bodo/Glimt defender Odin Bjortuft, who missed the primary leg in north London by means of damage.
“However on the similar time, it is what you are used to. We practice on this pitch day-after-day, the identical with the group we meet, they practice on grass pitches day-after-day.
The substitute pitch at Bodo/Glimt’s Aspmyra Stadion
“They’ve a bonus on us, and we now have a bonus on them. I believe it is evened out.
“However in fact, enjoying right here at house is a giant benefit for us as a result of I do not suppose plenty of groups are ready for what’s coming.
“We have now managed to do that in a profitable method. The ball goes actually quick right here, and that is a key object for us.”
Spurs have been right here earlier than… at Tamworth
However a synthetic pitch is nothing new for Spurs this season. Ange Postecoglou’s facet performed on one 4 months in the past at Non-League Tamworth, though the consequence was regarding.
Tottenham wanted further time to keep away from FA Cup third-round embarrassment on the Lamb Floor as they ultimately gained 3-0 on the 3G pitch.
Tottenham survived an FA Cup scare at Non-League Tamworth on their synthetic pitch in January
That near-disastrous expertise might, nonetheless, show very important forward of their journey to Norway.
Requested what makes Bodo/Glimt’s pitch such a difference-maker, Bjortuft explains: “I believe it is a mixture [of things].
“The ball goes actually quick while you play passes, and it is harder for defenders reaching attackers and getting contact with us. That is what we profit from in these video games.
“After all, it is a large distinction between synthetic and grass in some ways, however the primary secret is that the ball goes so quick.
“It could be more durable to show and all the things for gamers that aren’t used to it.”
Friendlier temperature awaits Spurs
Lazio, Olympiakos, Porto, Besiktas and FC Twente have all been frozen out on the Aspymyra Stadion this season.
And 4 years in the past, a much-changed Roma had been hammered 6-1 there as Mourinho suffered the heaviest defeat of his managerial profession, whereas Postecoglou has already tasted defeat at Bodo/Glimt with Celtic after a 2-0 loss in February 2022.
However the ice-cold circumstances contributing to these upsets is not going to be as harsh for Tottenham’s go to.
Snowy circumstances have helped Bodo/Glimt construct a powerful residence report
Besiktas misplaced at Bodo/Glimt in December with the temperature at minus one, however Thursday’s forecast is round seven levels, making it extra tolerable for Spurs.
Requested by Sky Sports activities about whether or not Bodo’s friendlier climate will hinder their probabilities, Bjortuft replies: “I sit up for seeing the solar once more! I do not thoughts it actually, and I do not suppose any of us take into consideration that.
“It has been large discuss worldwide for newspapers that the climate is such a bonus for us, however I believe we are able to play the identical soccer whether or not it is snowing or it is sunny, so there isn’t any distinction for us.”
But when Bjortuft believes the climate is inconsequential, then the ambiance and tightness of the venue are of actual significance.
“It is a smaller stadium than they [Tottenham] are used to. It is actually compact,” the 26-year-old says. “And it is a metropolis that stays collectively.
“We’re actually comfy enjoying right here, as many residence groups are. I believe we now have a great backing from the city and they’re actually constructive, even when it goes south.
“It is a good feeling for us to have them on our again.”
‘Tottenham have all the things to lose’
Bodo/Glimt have solely didn’t win six of their final 34 residence video games in all European competitions
Bodo/Glimt shall be buoyed by the truth that 60 per cent of their European wins (excluding qualifiers) have been by two or extra objectives, together with the house victories over Lazio (2-0) and Olympiakos (3-0) this season.
Spurs shall be determined to keep away from conceding first on Thursday.
“I am not fairly so positive about Tottenham [making the final]. It is all the way down to the primary aim,” European soccer professional Kevin Hatchard instructed Sky Sports activities Information.
“In the event that they get that first aim, with the group and that type of setting – the plastic pitch within the Arctic Circle – then that turns into an unlimited check for Tottenham psychologically.
“Tottenham have all the things to lose, however Bodo/Glimt do not have anyplace close to as a lot to lose. The strain’s off them to some extent.”
Dinamo Zagreb had been in Bodo/Glimt’s place 4 years in the past and managed to upset the percentages. This has the potential to be déjà vu for Spurs.
