Tottenham Hotspur in 54-year first as Brennan Johnson creates Europa League history

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Brennan Johnson entered the Europa League history books after firing Tottenham Hotspur into a dream lead against Bodo/Glimt.

The Welshman headed in the opener for Spurs with just 38 seconds on the clock in their 3-1 semi-final first leg win on Thursday night.

Bodo/Glimt left Johnson unmarked towards the back post as they quickly fell a goal down with less than a minute played.

It made history as Spurs scored in the opening minute of a match in a major European competition for only the second time.

The first occasion came in December 1971 when Martin Peters netted in their 3-0 UEFA Cup win against Rapid Bucharest.

Meanwhile, Johnson scored the quickest Europa League semi-final goal in history.

The previous record stood at 50 seconds, when Ansgar Knauff scored for Eintracht Frankfurt against West Ham in April 2022.

Johnson's goal was his 17th of the season in all competitions and fourth in the Europa League.

Spurs then doubled their lead on 34 minutes when James Maddison saw his effort bundle into the bottom corner.

Dominic Solanke added the third from the penalty spot during the second half before a Ulrik Saltnes consolation goal for Bodo/Glimt.

"We're pleased," Johnson told TNT Sports afterwards. "If before the game you would have said that we'd have a two goal cushion then we'd be happy with it. They are a tough team.

"There is a reason why they have beaten other teams in the past. Disappointed to concede at the end but we are happy with the performance."

On his goal, he added: "I didn't realise it was that early. They are a team that build in confidence with time to play so we knew that we had to be onto them straight away.

"Getting the early goal really set the tempo and I thought we started really well. Maddison has scored a few goals like that this season and makes the run really well.

"Porro has the quality to find that pass and when it comes off it works really well. So when they get the timing right and Madders can finish it off it is a really well worked goal."

Ange Postecoglou's side are now on course to reach their first final in a European competition since 2019.

Whilst there's still a second leg to play, Spurs will remain favourites to reach the Europa League's showcase match.

They could very well face Manchester United in this season's final.

It would be the first all-English final in the Europa League since Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 in 2019.

United were 3-0 winners against ten-man Athletic Bilbao as Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes scored one and two goals respectively.

Bilbao hosts the final on May 21, which comes four days before the final day of the Premier League season.

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