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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will meet in the Europa League final May 21, after both sides sealed wins in their semifinal ties Thursday.

Spurs beat Bodo/Glimt 2-0 in Norway, and United came from behind for a 4-1 win over Athletic Club in their respective second legs to put further gloss on the final aggregate scorelines after both teams came in with the advantage from the first legs.

The results sets up a final that features two teams from England for the third time in Europa League and UEFA Cup history, after Chelsea beat Arsenal in 2019 and Tottenham prevailed over Wolves in a two-legged affair in 1972.

The final will be played at San Mames, the Basque Country home stadium of Athletic Club where United secured a shock 3-0 win in the first leg of the semifinal.

The deciding match for Europe's second-tier competition will give Man United and Tottenham the chance to end their less-than-stellar seasons -- both teams are in the bottom half of the Premier League -- with a trophy and a spot in the 2025-26 edition of the Champions League.

United came back from 1-0 down against Athletic Club, with Mason Mount coming off the bench to score twice in the second half. Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund were also on target to end the tie 7-1 on aggregate.

"It was too long [waiting for a night like that]," Mount said. "I carried on going, working hard in training every day and tried to stay positive and when I had an opportunity to try to make an impact.

"Today it paid off and I came on and affected the game. It was a tight game when I came on, I just tried to calm it down."

Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro struck for Tottenham who finished off Nowegian side Bodo/Glimt by an aggregate score of 5-1.

"In this moment, I am just worried about the next game, trying not to get injuries for the final," said United manager Ruben Amorim after the match. "We need to win it. If we don't win it, it means nothing for us."

Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, now in charge of Spurs, could even make good on his boast earlier this season that he always wins a trophy in his second season at a club.

"We've given [the fans] some hope, something to dream about, and [an] exciting trip coming up," Postecoglou said. "We'll just keep doing what we're doing."

Tottenham have beaten Man United three times so far this season, twice in the league and also in the Carabao Cup.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has hit back at Arsene Wenger's suggestion that the winner of the Europa League should not automatically qualify for the Champions League.

Spurs are in pole position to qualify for this year's Europa League final, holding a 3-1 advantage over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt after the first leg of their semifinal.

Fellow Premier League outfit Manchester United look set to join them after beating Athletic Club 3-0 in their first leg last week.

Last week, Arsenal manager Wenger said whichever team wins the Europa League should not necessarily qualify for the Champions League.

Asked about Wenger's comments ahead of the second leg against Bodo/Glimt, Postecoglou said: "It is the rules. Why was it not an issue before? Last year, fifth place didn't get you in -- this year it does.

"Spurs does crazy things to people. You put this club into any sentence and they all come out to try and diminish any way they can.

"I have great respect for Arsene, one of the legends of the game, but it's Spurs. They love it, you love it. Bring it on."

Spurs travel to Norway for the second leg of the semifinal on Thursday, while United host Athletic at Old Trafford.

Bodo/Glimt

The Norwegian side were without a number of their key players in the first leg, although they will be able to field a strengthened side as they plot their comeback.

Captain Patrick Berg, midfielder Hakon Evjen and forward Andreas Helmersen were suspended for last week's tie but will return on Thursday.

Bodo/Glimt have not played since their defeat to Spurs, meaning a full week of rest, while Postecoglou decided to field a weakened side against West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Key talking point: Will artificial pitch prove Spurs' undoing?

There are few clubs in Europe with as impressive a home record as Bodo/Glimt. They have won 28 of their last 34 home games in all European competitions, including a 100% record in the knockout stages of this year's Europa League.

"There's no doubt [the artificial turf] is an advantage for us," Bodo/Glimt defender Odin Bjortuft told reporters. "But at the same time, it's what you're used to. We train on this pitch every day, the same with the team we meet, they train on grass pitches every day.

"They have an advantage on us, and we have an advantage on them. I think it's evened out. But of course, playing here at home is a big advantage for us because I don't think a lot of teams are prepared for what's coming.

"We have managed to do this in a successful way. The ball goes really fast here, and that's a key object for us."

Part of Bodo/Glimt's success at home has been the (literal) Arctic conditions of their games. The last time they hosted a European tie -- their quarterfinal clash against Lazio on April 10 -- volunteers were needed to clear the pitch of snow before the game. Bodo/Glimt would win 2-0 and go onto win the tie on penalties after the away leg.

Howeber, a month can make a big difference in northern Norway, where daily sunlight lasts for just 56 minutes in December and nearly 24 hours in July.

Temperatures are expected to be milder for Spurs' visit, with a weather prediction of 6 degrees Celcius for the time of the game.

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A Norwegian football fan bartered five kilos of semi-dried fish for a ticket to Thursday's semifinal clash between Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur in the Arctic Circle, as the hosts aim to become the first Norwegian club to reach a European final.

Some 50,000 fans were vying for just 480 tickets to the second leg of Bodo/Glimt's Europa League semifinal.

After missing out, Torbjorn Eide, a production manager at a fish farm in Senja, offered five kilos of boknafisk, a Norwegian delicacy worth nearly 2,500 Norwegian crowns ($243), in exchange for a ticket.

"We produce Norway's best boknafisk, and you probably can't get it in Bodo city. So I thought maybe someone would want it," Eide told Norway's state-run broadcaster NRK on Tuesday.

Oystein Aanes, who had a spare ticket because his brother couldn't make the game, took the bait. "It was just a fun thing," Aanes told NRK.

Inspired by the deal, Nils Erik Oskal decided to try his luck with five kilos of reindeer meat.

"Someone took the bait. It didn't take long," he said.

Oskal's trade could be worth about 1,000 Norwegian crowns.

"But that doesn't matter, I get to experience something huge," Oskal said.

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall's season is over after he injured his ankle, manager Ange Postecoglou said on Friday, while Dominic Solanke and James Maddison are also injury doubts to face West Ham United this weekend.

Bergvall was forced to miss Thursday's 3-1 Europa League semifinal first leg win at home to Norway's Bodo/Glimt with the injury suffered in training, while Maddison (knee) and Solanke (thigh) were forced to come off in the second half.

"It looks like Lucas's injury is significant enough to keep him out for the rest of the season. He tweaked some ligaments in his ankle so he's out," Postecoglou told reporters.

"Dom [Solanke] is not too bad. He's still a bit sore from last night but we don't think it's anything serious. He's a doubt for the weekend, but we hope it will settle down pretty quickly.

"Madders [Maddison] is a bit more of a concern because it's his knee but we've sent him for a scan. We're just waiting for the outcome."

Spurs captain Son Heung-Min has also been battling a foot injury that has kept him on the sidelines for five games and Postecoglou said he hoped to have him back for the second leg.

"Son's working hard, he's progressing. He's still doing individual [training] but he's out on the grass and feels better every day," he said.

"We'll see how he's going by Thursday, whether he'll be available for next Thursday."

Spurs, who are a lowly 16th in the Premier League standings, have bigger fish to fry as they look to win the Europa League -- their only ticket to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Postecoglou said he was "super proud" of his team after they bounced back from a 5-1 loss at Liverpool, who won the title, to beat Bodo/Glimt and put one foot in the final.

"All the way through Europe, we've hit some really good levels and played some really good football. We've faced some difficult challenges and overcome them in a real composed manner," Postecoglou said.

"It was a difficult day for us last weekend [at Liverpool]. You never want to dismiss those experiences, you need to learn from them. They need to make you angry and disappointed, and we were.

"I didn't let the players off the hook with that, but we had to refocus pretty quickly for what was a really important game. I was really pleased with the players' mentality, which has been really strong all the way through the European campaign."

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a difficult season, with the club on track for their worst-ever performance in the Premier League, as well as defeats in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

Entering Thursday, a Europa League semifinal first leg at home to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt represents their last hope at ending their 17-year trophyless spell.

Manager Ange Postecoglou has repeatedly stated -- as fact more than as a prediction -- that he wins trophies in his second season at a club. If his side can make it through these two legs, then he will be one game away from making good on those words.

However, Bodo/Glimt are not the minnows they could seem. They have already beaten FC Porto, Besiktas and Lazio in this year's competition. Can they add Spurs to that list of victims?

Here's everything you need to know.

How to watch

The match will be available on TNT Sports in the UK, Paramount+ in the United States and Sony LIV in India. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.

Key Details

Date: Thursday, May 1 at 8 p.m. UK (4 p.m. ET; 1.30 a.m. IST on Friday, 7 a.m. AEDT on Friday)

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez (Spain)

VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande (Spain)

Team news

Tottenham

Captain Heung-min Son will play no part in the first leg as he continues to recover from a foot injury, therefore Mathys Tel is expected to play on the left wing. Other than Radu Dragusin, who is out for the season with an ACL injury, Posetecoglou can boast a clean bill of health.

However, Antonin Kinsky, Sergio Reguilon and Timo Werner are all ineligible in the Europa League.

Bodo/Glimt

The visitors will not be able to field a fully strengthened side as they deal with a series of absences. Midfielders Patrick Berg and Hakon Evjen are suspended for the first leg after picking up too many yellow cards, while striker Andreas Helmersen is out for the whole tie after being sent off in the quarterfinals.

To add salt to their wounds, starting winger Ole Blomberg and first-choice center back Odin Bjørtuft are also doubtful.

"I really hope the players are not thinking about the occasion and are able to play the game, but it is not easy. We have a journey where we want to find our identity in every game, home and away -- even against good teams.

"That is part of the plan on Thursday."

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Ange Postecoglou has hit back at those he says are trying to "diminish" Tottenham's Europa League run and insists his side face a "really tough" opponent in Bodo/Glimt in the semifinal.

Tottenham, despite a woeful Premier League campaign that sees them sit 16th with 19 defeats, have impressed in Europe and face the Norwegian underdogs for a place in the final and a chance of a first major trophy in 17 years.

Manager Postecoglou, who has been under increasing pressure due to the domestic form, claims the players are fully focused on an "unbelieveable opportunity," with the first leg taking place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday.

"I've sensed, which is not surprising because I've said before that this is the way this club is perceived, that people are almost trying to diminish it in some respects," Postecoglou said of Tottenham's Europa League exploits.

"I've heard people say it's the equivalent of Man United winning the FA Cup. No it isn't. I'm sorry. Not on any planet is it the equivalent.

"Others suggest that maybe we're not worthy of Champions League. Things that are designed to diminish what's ahead of us, which is an unbelievable opportunity.

"Irrespective of how this season has gone, we have generations of fans who want this more than anything else, to share a special moment with people that they love. This season could have gone very differently and we could be flying in the league, but that doesn't make the opportunity any different.

"What we have before us is the semifinal of a European competition with an opportunity to get to a final, win a trophy and get Champions League football. I just think for the players and everyone involved at the football club it's a brilliant opportunity."

Tottenham will once again be without captain Son Heung-Min for the first leg despite his return to individual training, something which adds to what Postecoglou is adamant is a tough task in Bodo/Glimt.

Bodo, while winning four of the last five Eliteserien titles, are the first Norwegian team to reach a semifinal of a major European competition and come into the tie as huge outsiders -- but Postecoglou cites previous seasons and their victories against Olympiacos and Lazio as reasons to respect them.

"I don't expect them to be overawed by the occasion," Postecoglou said. "They're going to be a really tough opponent. I love their approach, I love that they're not intimidated by opposition."

The Australian boss also corrected a Norwegian journalist calling Bodo a "small club."

"You'd love us to think you're a small club wouldn't you!" he added. "Bodo are there on merit. They beat Olympiacos, Lazio, tough football teams.

"It doesn't matter where you come from. I come from the other side of the world where football is the fourth biggest sport. You say we're a big club, you're a small club. It doesn't matter, we're two clubs in the semifinal and they've done very well to get there and we're going to treat them with respect they deserve.

"This is not just a one-off. They beat Roma four years ago and every year they've done that to more than one club which supposedly are bigger. They've earned it. Even to get to knockout stage, they've not got here by accident."

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen on Marc Guéhi, while Saudi club Neom have started discussions with André Onana's representatives. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

- Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Newcastle United all remain keen on Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the 24-year-old having been on their respective shortlists of options for months. There is a possibility that Guéhi could move as a free agent in 2026 if a deal isn't agreed this summer. Guéhi was in fine form as Palace romped to a 3-0 FA Cup semifinal win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

- Saudi Arabian club Neom has started major discussions with the representatives of Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana ahead of a possible move in the summer, reports Foot Mercato. The 29-year-old is open to leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia, although it still isn't certain whether all of the parties will be able to reach an agreement. Neom are currently first in Saudi Arabia's second tier, and are planning to make a big splash if they secure promotion to the Saudi Pro League.

- Internazionale have made enquiries about Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah with his contract expiring in the summer, says Calciomercato, although the outlet adds that other options are being considered. Inter are also interested in Lazio defender Mario Gila but their rocky relationship with Biancocelesti president Claudio Lotito makes a deal unlikely, while Bologna pair Sam Beukema and Jhon Lucumi are also being considered.

- Napoli are trying to persuade Lille striker Jonathan David to join them when his contract ends in the summer, claims Le10Sport, which adds that the 25-year-old is hesitant about committing to joining them. Juventus and Internazionale have opened discussions with his entourage, while there is Premier League interest from the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

- Lazio have decided to make Nuno Tavares' loan from Arsenal permanent for €4 million which can be paid in instalments, but Calciomercato have reported that they could now let the left-back join Juventus for just over €15m in the summer. The Bianconeri's interest has been fuelled by the uncertainty surrounding Andrea Cambiaso's future.

Liverpool are a point away from the Premier League crown, and Sunday's game against Tottenham Hotspur side could well seal it.

There is little doubt that Liverpool will clinch the title even with a defeat at Anfield, but they will want to seal their record-equalling 20th league title with an emphatic win.

- Premier League table

Meanwhile, enter the game an enormous 42 points behind the league leaders and are 16th in the table. Although safe from relegation, it has been a season to forget domestically for Ange Postecoglou's men, albeit they still have a Europa League semifinal to play.

Can Tottenham delay Liverpool's party for at least another week? Or Arne Slot complete his task of delivering a Premier League title in his debut season?

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the game.

How to watch:

The match will be available on Sky Sports in the UK, Peacock in the United States, Optus Sport in Australia, and JioHotstar in India. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.

Key Details:

Date: Sunday, April 27 at 4.30 p.m. BST (11:30 a.m. E.T., 9 p.m. IST, 1:30 am AEST, Monday morning)

Venue: Anfield, Liverpool

Referee: Tom Bramall

VAR: Darren Cann

Injury news:

Liverpool

Joe Gomez, D, hamstring, OUT, estimated return early May

Tyler Morton, M, shoulder, OUT, estimated return early May

Tottenham

Radu Dragusin, knee, OUT for the season

Heung-Min Son, foot, OUT for a few days

Expected Lineups:

Liverpool

GK: Alisson Becker

RB: Conor Bradley | CB: Ibrahima Konate | CB: Virgil van Dijk | LB: Andrew Robertson

CM: Alexis Mac Allister | CM: Ryan Gravenberch | CM: Dominik Szoboszlai

RW: Mohamed Salah | CF: Diogo Jota | LW: Luis Diaz

Tottenham

GK Guglielmo Vicario

RB Pedro Porro | CB Cristian Romero | CB Micky van der Ven | LB Djed Spence

CM Pape Sarr | CM Rodrigo Bentancur | CM Dejan Kulusevski

RW Brennan Johnson | CF Richarlison | LW Mathys Tel

Stats:

Liverpool have not lost to Tottenham in their last 15 home games across all competitions (11W, 4D).

Just this season, Tottenham have conceded 10 goals against Liverpool (a 6-3 loss in the Premier League and a 4-0 loss in the League Cup second leg).

With five games remaining, Liverpool have already won as many Premier League games this season as they did the last (24)

Tottenham have lost 18 Premier League games this season, only losing more in 1993-94 and 2003-04 (19)

Mohamed Salah has 15 goals against Spurs -- the only team he's score more against is Manchester United (16).

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