Tottenham was a two -goal advantage of the other stage of a Europa League -Knockout slips, Tottenham were in this situation four years ago -and it didn’t end well.
Jose Mourinhos Spurs let a first leg 2-0 lead slide against Dinamo Zagreb after a 3-0 extra time loss in Croatia. Turnaround was even more extraordinary considering that Dinamo was managerless, after losing their head coach to a prison sentence between the first and second part.
Now Bodo/Glimt is aiming to emulate Dinamo’s comeback on Thursday, with Tottenham having a 3-1 first leg semi-final management. However, the story is not on Nordmen’s side.
A two-target first leg semi-final deficit has never been overturned since the competition was redirected as the Europa League in 2009/10.
You have to go back 37 years -when the competition became known as the UEFA Cup -for the last time it happened when Espanyol beat Club Brugge 3-0 at home to win the 3-2 overall and reach the 1988 final.
‘Artificial pitch is an advantage for us’
But what will give Bodo/glimpse Real faith that they can become the Europa League history manufacturers is their unique home fortress.
The aspymyra stadium of the 8,270 person – located above the Arctic circle – boasts a difficult artificial pitch, freezing temperatures and an urge atmosphere. It has become an icy cemetery for visitors team.
Bodo/Glimpse Play at 8.270 capacity Aspmyra Stadium
Kjetil Knutsen’s side has won 28 of their last 34 home matches in all European competitions and is on a five-match winning European home drive with their last win coming against Lazio.
Just hours before the Italian giants turned to the Italian giants, Bodo/Glimt tone was buried in snow, but a combination of underground warming, snow plows and hardworking ground staff so the game goes on.
But Lazio wishes it did not have it when they lost the quarterfinals first legs 2-0-the synthetic surface that turns out to be particularly problematic.
“They had speed in their exchanges because of the artificial pitch,” Lazio told Marco Baroni to Sky in Italy.
Aspmyra stadium is located above the Arctic circle
So how much does the artificial pitch make really Give the Norwegian masters the upper hand?
“There is no doubt that it is an advantage for us,” reveals Bodo/Glimt -defender Odin Bjortuft, who missed the first leg of northern London through injury.
“But at the same time, that’s what you’re used to. We train at this pitch every day, the same with the team we meet they train in grassing every day.
The artificial pitch of the Bodo/Glimts Aspmyra Stadium
“They have an advantage for us and we have an advantage on them. I think it’s smoothed.
“But of course, playing here at home is a big advantage for us because I don’t think many teams are prepared for what’s coming.
“We’ve managed to do this in a successful way. The ball goes really fast here and it’s a key object for us.”
Spurs have been here before … at Tamworth
But an artificial pitch is nothing new for Spurs this season. Ange Postecoglous Side played a four months ago at Non League Tamworth, though the result was about.
Tottenham needed extra time to avoid the FA Cup third-round embarrassment on the Lamb earth as they eventually won 3-0 on the 3G course.
Tottenham survived a FA Cup-Bange at Non League Tamworth on their artificial pitch in January
However, the almost-empowered experience could prove to be important prior to their journey to Norway.
When asked what makes Bodo/Glimt’s pitch of such a difference-maker, explains Bjorte air: “I think it’s a combination [of things].
“The ball goes really fast as you play pass and it’s more difficult for defenders who reach attackers and get in touch with us. That’s what we benefit from in these games.
“Of course, it’s a big difference between artificial and grass in many ways, but the main key is that the ball goes so fast.
“It can be harder to turn and overly players who are not used to it.”
Friendlier temperature waiting for spurs
Lazio, Olympiakos, Porto, Besiktas and FC Twente have all been frozen at Aspymyra Stadium this season.
And four years ago, a much changed Roma was hammered 6-1 there when Mourinho suffered the heaviest defeat in his management career, while Postecoglou has already tasted defeat at Bodo/Glimt with Celtic after a 2-0 loss in February 2022.
But the icy conditions that contribute to these disturbances will not be so tough for Tottenham’s visit.
Snowy Relationships have helped Bodo/Glimpse of building an impressive home plate
Besiktas lost at Bodo/Glimpse in December with the temperature at minus one, but Thursday’s forecast is about seven degrees, making it more acceptable for spurs.
Asked by Sky Sports Whether Bodo’s friendlier weather will hinder their chances, Bjortuft replies: “I look forward to seeing the sun again! I don’t mind and I don’t think any of us think about it.
“It’s been Big Talk Worldwide for newspapers that the weather is such a benefit to us, but I think we can play the same football, whether it’s snowing or it’s sunny, so there’s no difference to us.”
But if Bjortuft thinks the weather is insignificant, the room’s atmosphere and density are of real importance.
“It’s a smaller stadium than they [Tottenham] are used to. It’s really compact, “says the 26-year-old.” And it is a city that stays together.
“We are really comfortable playing here, as many home teams are. I think we have a good support from the city and they are really positive even if it goes south.
“It’s a good feeling for us to have them on their backs.”
‘Tottenham have everything to lose’
Bodo/Glimpse has only failed to win six of their last 34 home matches in all European competitions
Bodo/Glimt will be bent by the fact that 60 percent of their European victories (excluding qualifiers) have been of two or more goals, including home wins over Lazio (2-0) and Olympiakos (3-0) this season.
Spurs will be desperate after avoiding admitting first on Thursday.
“I’m not so sure of Tottenham [making the final]. That’s down to the first goal, “the European football expert Kevin Hatchard said Sky Sports News.
“If they get the first goal, with the crowd and the kind of setting – the plastic height of the Arctic circle – it will be a huge test for Tottenham psychologically.
“Tottenham have everything to lose, but Bodo/Glimpse has nothing near so much to lose. Pressure is to some extent.”
Dinamo Zagreb was in Bodo/Glimt’s position four years ago and managed to disturb the odds. This has the potential to be déjà vu for spurs.