In North London, Tottenham took a significant step towards the final, dispatching Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt 3-1. Brennan Johnson scored after just 38 seconds, with James Maddison and Dominic Solanke adding goals before Ulrik Saltnes pulled one back late for the visitors.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou praised his team’s composure and tactical execution. “Our performance was everything it needed to be – disciplined, calm and effective,” he said. “We know what Bodo are like at home, but if we repeat this next week, we’ll get through.”
Postecoglou, who faced Bodo’s artificial pitch while managing Celtic, acknowledged the difficulty of the return leg. Injuries to Maddison and Solanke – both substituted as precautions – will be closely monitored.
Bodo manager Kjetil Knutsen took heart from Saltnes’ late goal, insisting his side remain in the fight. “It gave us energy and changed the mood,” he said. “We’re not favourites, but we will go for it.”
The return legs take place next Thursday, with United and Spurs in pole position to meet in the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 2.
