Tottenham player ratings vs Bodo/Glimt: 8/10 ace answers critics as Man Utd final eyed

Ange Postecoglou's side have one foot in the final following a 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their semi-final clash. It keeps alive hopes of a first trophy since 2008 for Tottenham, who travel to Norway for next week's second leg with a commanding lead.

Tottenham's first European semi-final since 2019 got off to the perfect start when Brennan Johnson netted after just 37 seconds, arriving late at the back post to nod home Richarlison's looping pass. Bodo/Glimt settled into their rhythm after falling behind, but their efforts were rendered meaningless when James Maddison slipped in a second for the jubilant hosts midway through the opening half.

Spurs failed to match their intensity from the first half in the second, but they stretched their advantage from the spot when Dominic Solanke slotted home a penalty after Cristian Romero was fouled in the box. The mood did dampen late on when Bodo/Glimt found a consolation, but the north Londoners will still fancy themselves ahead of the return leg.

Express Sport gives ratings out of 10 for Tottenham's players after Thursday night's first-leg vs Bodo/Glimt...

Guglielmo Vicario - 6

The goalkeeper was a passenger for the first half, as Bodo/Glimt failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. Also couldn't have done much for the Bodo/Glimt goal, given the hefty deflection.

Pedro Porro - 7

Played a stunning pass in behind the Bodo/Glimt defence for Maddison's goal and provided an attacking outlet throughout the evening. The former Sporting defender wasn't troubled too much by the opposition forwards in the first half, but was on hand to sniff out a dangerous-looking attack midway through the second.

Cristian Romero - 6

Certainly made the most of the foul that led to Spurs' second-half penalty, but the sight of the Argentine next to centre-back partner Micky van de Ven will be welcomed by the Tottenham faithful. Lost his concentration in the second half when he picked up a needless yellow card for a push on a Bodo/Glimt attacker and got turned inside out for the visitors' goal.

Micky van de Ven - 7

Where would Spurs have been if they'd had the Dutchman all season? Tottenham look so much more comfortable when they can call on the speedy defender at the back.

Destiny Udogie - 6

Comfortable enough on the left-hand side and like his opposite number, provided a threat from an attacking point of view. Part of Spurs' strongest backline and his availability will be key if Tottenham are to triumph this year.

Rodrigo Bentancur - 6

After starting strong, the midfield general was a bit skittish thereafter. Fell asleep during a Bodo/Glimt attack that almost led to a goal and was the unlucky culprit guilty for the deflection that caused their consolation goal. He was tidy in possession but could've done much more out of it.

Yves Bissouma - 7

Covered the ground that Rodrigo Bentancur didn't and anchored the Spurs midfield well. He was given a baptism of fire, having sat out the last few matches, but the midfielder was superb in the middle of the park.

James Maddison - 8

Perhaps his crowning moment in a Spurs shirt? Pulled all the strings in the middle of the park and took his goal smartly. Postecoglou's only concern came when the English playmaker went down clutching his leg and was taken off the pitch. They might be able to get through next week's second leg without him, but any long-term injury could prove costly for Spurs' trophy chances in this competition.

Brennan Johnson - 7

Couldn't believe his luck when the ball fell right to him in front of the goal after less than a minute, with Johnson continuing his strong scoring form in the Europa League with his fourth of the campaign.

Dominic Solanke - 7

The Englishman was the coolest man in the stadium when he stroked home from 12 yards to give Tottenham what will surely prove to be an insurmountable lead in the tie. He netted a gutsy penalty in the previous round against Eintracht Frankfurt and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way with his effort against Bodo/Glimt. The striker's night turned sour when he was hooked with an injury of his own.

Richarlison - 7

Had the presence of mind to pick out his team-mate for the opening goal and provided a solid outlet throughout the contest. It was only his second start since early February, with Postecoglou opting to take him off at the break in favour of Mathys Tel's fresher legs.

Substitutes:

Mathys Tel - 6

Had a few tasty touches after coming on at half-time but would've wanted to trouble a stretched Bodo/Glimt backline much more.

Dejan Kulusevski - 6

The attacker's minutes have been managed carefully following a recent return from injury and he looked like he was getting back up to match sharpness during a tidy cameo.

Wilson Odobert - 6

Put himself about but failed to make an impact.