Let’s find out what happened the last time Tottenham took a two-goal lead to an away Europa League second-leg knockout tie – and it could be a bad omen.
Tottenham Hotspur fans would be hoping that all the heartache they have suffered domestically this season would be rewarded with silverware come the end of May, as they look to win the Europa League.
But before the Lilywhites can dream of playing in a European final for the second time in six years, they would have to overcome Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
Tottenham hold a two-goal advantage coming into this tie, and while that might seem like a comfortable enough lead, Spurs’ past record with a two-goal lead in their last away European tie does not inspire confidence.
Tottenham collapse against Dinamo Zagreb after two-goal first-leg lead
The last time Spurs carried a two-goal lead into a European tie was back in 2021, in the UEFA Europa League round of 16, where they faced Dinamo Zagreb.
It was a clash where Tottenham dominated the first leg and secured a 2-0 lead. However, coming into the second leg, Jose Mourinho rang the changes, bringing seven new players into his starting XI for the return fixture.
It was a move that backfired, as Tottenham were stunned in Croatia thanks to a hat-trick from Mislav Orsic of Dinamo Zagreb.
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It was a defeat that brought Spurs’ Europa League run to a premature end, as they were knocked out in the round of 16.
Spurs must heed Jose Mourinho’s warning ahead of Bodo/Glimt tie
Speaking after the match, Jose Mourinho’s post-match conference contained a few lessons the Tottenham players can take into their clash against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.
The Portuguese manager highlighted that the Croatian side showed more desire, passion and a greater willingness to win than his Tottenham team.
He also stated that there was one side that decided to leave everything on the pitch, and it was not his team. The same could be expected on Thursday night when Glimt welcome Spurs to the Aspmyra Stadion.
Tottenham can expect Glimt to show more desire and intention, and as the Norwegian team’s players have already stated following their defeat to Spurs in the first leg – the Glimt players are eager to exploit Tottenham’s pressing weaknesses.
A slow start, a lack of desire or commitment on Thursday would ultimately end Spurs’ European ambitions.
May the words of Jose Mourinho ring on in the ears of the Tottenham players: “They left sweat, energy, blood. In the end, they left even tears of happiness. Very humble and committed. I have to praise them.
“On the other side, my team. They did not look like they were playing an important match. If for any one of them it is not important, for me it is. (BBC Sport)”
Yes, Spurs fans want these Tottenham players to leave everything on the pitch because tomorrow’s clash is important to the entire fanbase.