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Opta’s supercomputer has now predicted who will win the Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Man United on May 21 in Bilbao.

Given how poorly Tottenham Hotspur have performed domestically this season, few would have predicted the Lilywhites to make it to a European final.

Well, they have, and standing between them and ending their almost two-decade-long trophy drought is fellow English side, Manchester United.

The Red Devils themselves have struggled domestically, with Ruben Amorim’s men camped a place above Spurs in the Premier League table in 15th.

Opta predict close Tottenham vs Manchester United final

With an all-English final set to take place on the 21st of May in Bilbao, Opta’s supercomputer has crunched the numbers.

According to Opta, their predictions two weeks before the 2025 Europa League final, between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, are in favour of the Red Devils.

Manchester United are predicted to win the trophy in 50.7% of the supercomputer’s 10,000 current simulations, compared to 49.3% won by Spurs.

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Spurs’ head-to-head advantage over Man United and hopes for silverware

The prediction of the Opta model is very tight, which suggests that the final is sure to be closely contested.

Looking at their head-to-head record this season, Tottenham have secured a win in the three encounters between themselves and Man United, even beating them in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.

United do, of course, have the European pedigree, something so many of their legends have alluded to. But given how similar both sides have been this season, it is a difficult final to call.

The hope now is that Tottenham put in another professional and mature display as they have done all season in Europe, and if they do, then the trophy could be theirs.

Ange Postecoglou’s powerful post-match message to his Tottenham Hotspur players has laid bare the emotion and unity that has carried the club to a Europa League final, despite a torrid domestic campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur have received a lot of stick this season for their poor domestic form, which has left them languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table.

Ange Postecoglou has come under fire from both Tottenham supporters and the wider media, with many openly questioning whether he is the right man to lead the club towards sustained success and silverware.

However, despite the criticism and external noise, the Tottenham hierarchy has shown unwavering support for their manager, and that faith has now been rewarded with a spot in a second European final.

Spurs saw off Bodo/Glimt with a 2-0 win away in Norway, sealing a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory.

Ange Postecoglou’s dressing room speech reveals Tottenham’s spirit

This season has not been without its challenges for Spurs. A relentless injury crisis has disrupted the team’s rhythm and severely impacted results in the Premier League, but in Europe, this group has remained resilient and determined.

Throughout the adversity, the players have never stopped believing in Ange Postecoglou. James Maddison has publicly backed the manager, while Guglielmo Vicario has echoed those sentiments, stating that the entire Tottenham squad remains firmly behind the Australian coach.

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That unwavering unity was brought to life by behind-the-scenes footage shared by the club on social media, showing Postecoglou’s stirring post-match speech in the dressing room following the win in Norway.

Ange Postecoglou’s message captured the emotional weight of the season, acknowledging the hardship and sacrifices, while urging the group to remain focused on the job ahead.

He said: “I have been saying all season what you as a group, players and staff, have gone through this year… As I have said, what you have gone through this year, let me tell you, I have been in this game a long time, I am very experienced – I have experienced it all, but I am so proud of how all of you have just stuck together. Not one time have I felt like people are not believing or have lost what we have in here.

“It is just outstanding. We would never realise what it is taking for you guys to be in this position, and you deserve all the credit for that. It is unbelievable what you have done.

“To come to this difficult place, win comfortably, with everything we have had to deal with.

“There are people who are not with us today, who are back home. Fraser has played a big part, Sonny has played a big part, Madders, Lucas, Radu – they have all played a big part.

“Everyone has contributed. And that is the main thing that has got us to this point. Yes, we have had problems for sure, but we have stuck together.

“You deserve it. Now we have under two weeks to prepare. Every day is important. Every day, every training session, every game we have between now and then is about getting ready for the big game and you can change things.

“You saw what you did, 400 supporters here today, they will never forget it, and there are thousands back home. You can make it something really special.

“I keep saying to you, this is the group of players that is going to do it. So we focus on that from now on, and you deserve all the credit – you have been outstanding. So from tomorrow, we focus.”

Spurs face Manchester United in Europa League final after emotional night

Manchester United await Tottenham in the UEFA Europa League final, after Ruben Amorim’s side dismantled Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate to book their place in Bilbao.

Tottenham have already beaten the Red Devils three times this season, but if they are to lift the Europa League trophy, they must find a way past them for a fourth time.

Following the win in Norway, Micky van de Ven delivered a heartfelt message to Tottenham supporters, urging them to keep believing in the group as they attempt to bring silverware back to north London.

He said: “Unbelievable feeling. What can I say? We had a tough season but we are one game away from winning some silverware.

“We showed some character today, some mentality also. They did not create any chances and then we scored two goals and kept a clean sheet. The artificial grass, it is cold and rainy, we showed great mentality to win 2-0.

“We want to thank them all for their support and let us go to Bilbao. In the league we are not doing well but we can make it something special.”

Despite Tottenham and Manchester United enduring disappointing, identical domestic seasons, Owen Hargreaves has stated that the Red Devils have the momentum going into the Europa League final.

Both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have endured dismal domestic campaigns, with both sides currently languishing in the bottom six of the Premier League table.

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in 16th place, while Manchester United sit just one spot above in 15th, holding a slender one-point advantage over the Lilywhites.

Despite their Premier League struggles, both clubs have managed to carve out impressive European runs, securing their places in the Europa League final and setting up a high-stakes all-English clash in the process.

Owen Hargreaves backs Manchester United over Tottenham in Europa League final

Spurs overcame Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate in their semi-final tie, while Manchester United swept aside Athletic Bilbao 7-1 to book their place in the final, teeing up a showdown between two fallen domestic giants.

Speaking to TNT Sports in the aftermath of the semi-final results, former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves shared his thoughts on both teams and gave his take on who carries the advantage into the final.

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According to Hargreaves, momentum now lies with Manchester United, citing the positive energy building at the club and the achievement of reaching the final despite their turbulent season.

He said as relayed by BBC Sport: “It is going to be fascinating. For Ange, a European trophy and Champions League football, there is so much at stake for everyone.

“But if United, in a down season, can win a trophy and get into the Champions League, it tells you what the club is all about.

“Right now, momentum is with Manchester United with the energy around the club at the moment.”

Tottenham must ignore pundit talk and stay focused

It is rather difficult to understand Hargreaves’ reasoning for saying momentum is with Manchester United, when both United and Spurs have endured almost identical seasons.

Both sides have struggled domestically, and yet both have found a way to reach a European final, showing resilience when it mattered most.

In fact, Tottenham have beaten Manchester United three times already this campaign, and yet somehow, the narrative still swings in favour of the Red Devils.

Just look at Man United’s last six results in the Premier League – it hardly screams momentum. Yes, they have been dominant in Europe, but so have Tottenham, and the Red Devils were very nearly knocked out by Lyon on the way to the final too.

Spurs are in awful Premier League form. Man United are in awful Premier League form. Both have done well in the Europa League. If you want to make United the favourites, then fine, they have a long history of silverware success. But at least make it make sense.

Glenn Hoddle has warned Tottenham Hotspur that they will have their work cut out for them if they are to beat Man United for a fourth time this season and win the Europa League final.

The beautiful game that we all love and watch has the power to transform our mood, and for Tottenham Hotspur fans this season, it has been a difficult watch.

However, on Thursday, the Spurs faithful were given a treat, as they watched their very own club secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League final, after they beat Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate.

Elation. Joy. Celebration. They party tonight, for in two weeks, they travel to Bilbao to cheer on their team for one last time this season, with the hopes that their 17-year-long wait for a trophy ends.

Glenn Hoddle gives verdict on Tottenham vs Man United in Europa League final

Manchester United awaits, after they got the job done in their semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao, beating the Spanish side 7-1 on aggregate.

For Spurs, they are up against a familiar foe, a fellow English side and one that they have beaten three times already this season.

A fourth victory would be a charm, but former Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle believes it is not going to be an easy task.

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The ex-manager believes that it is extremely difficult for a side to beat a Premier League team four times in a single season. But he believes that this Tottenham side are very capable of doing so, that is if they play at their best.

He told TNT Sports: “That is a slight problem for me actually, I am on a down… To beat a team four times in one season from the Premier League is really tough, it really is.

“But it is a one-off game and Spurs, when they are on their game, when they defend properly, they are a match for anyone and they have proved that with some of the performances they have put in this year.

“But it is just wonderful for Ange and those lads that have worked hard. They have had a real up and down season, so many different injuries, lots of things being said about the club and whatever.

“But at the end of the day, they find themselves in a final now in Europe against Manchester United. They do love a European final against English opposition, they have had Wolves, they have had Liverpool and now they have got another English team, so it is ironic really.

“But it is a fabulous night for the club. You know those fans, they will be on the phone trying to get hotels, flights, and so will Manchester United fans, let us be fair. I think it is 40-odd thousand, is it not, in Bilbao? Whether there are enough tickets to go around, I am not so sure.”

Spurs vs Manchester United: Previous meetings and what to expect in Europa League final

One does not have to go far back for the last time Tottenham and Manchester United locked horns in a cup competition, with the two sides coming up against each other early on in the season in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

It was a clash that was far from straightforward, as it ended 4-3, despite Spurs going 3-0 up on the night.

Ruben Amorim’s side did not go out without a fight, with his players battling till the very end, but Tottenham eventually came out on top, winning 4-3 thanks to a Heung-min Son strike from a direct corner.

Of course, it would be a lot tougher on the 21st of May, but Tottenham need to make it four out of four if they are to end their trophy drought.

Paul Scholes has backed Manchester United to beat Tottenham in the Europa League final – but history says Spurs could surprise him.

Despite enduring a horrid Premier League campaign, Tottenham Hotspur have managed to secure a place in the Europa League final. It is the Lilywhites’ sixth European final in history and their fourth in the Europa League.

Indeed, Tottenham have won this competition twice in their history and should they beat Manchester United on the 21st of May, it would be their first Europa League trophy in the modern era.

With a Europa League final against Manchester United on the horizon, Paul Scholes has now given his verdict on the outcome of the tie.

Paul Scholes tips Manchester United to beat Tottenham in Europa League final

An all-English final is nothing new, with English sides clashing six times previously at the decisive stage in European competitions.

Tottenham have been involved in two of those encounters – against Liverpool in Madrid in 2019 and against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the UEFA Cup back in 1972.

While Spurs lost 2-0 to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final, they edged past Wolves in the 1972 UEFA Cup final with a 3-2 aggregate win in what was then a two-legged affair.

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Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has now had his say on the sixth all-English final, offering his prediction for the clash between Tottenham and Manchester United.

Speaking on TNT Sports (08/05/25 from 22:00), the former midfielder believes Manchester United will come out on top due to their history and pedigree in Europe, even likening their European pedigree to Real Madrid’s.

He said: “History tells me United have a great chance. We know Tottenham have beaten them three times and Tottenham will think they have a right chance.

“For some reason, the history of this club is almost like Real Madrid at times. When they are not playing that well, they can still go on and win European cups. I just feel the odds are slightly in Manchester United’s favour. Although I do think Tottenham are a good side.”

Tottenham can still rewrite the narrative against Manchester United

There is no denying that Manchester United have a higher European pedigree than Tottenham. However, history can be rewritten, and in football, it is not always about the past – it is about the present.

This season alone, several long-standing records have been broken. Newcastle United ended a 70-year wait for silverware by beating a Liverpool side with a deep-rooted history of winning trophies.

David Bentley had nothing but praise for Tottenham Hotspur after their composed display against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League – now he wants them to go one step further and beat Manchester United in the final.

Tottenham Hotspur put in a professional performance against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final tie, beating the Eliteserien side 2-0.

It finished 5-1 on aggregate, a scoreline that told the full story of Tottenham’s dominance across both legs.

Heading into the second leg, Bodo/Glimt had maintained a perfect record at home in the knockout stage of the Europa League, but Tottenham ended that run with a composed win at the Aspmyra Stadion, effectively bringing the Norwegian side’s European journey to a halt.

Now, an all-English final awaits. Manchester United beat Spanish side Athletic Bilbao 4-1 at Old Trafford, and 7-1 on aggregate, setting up an intriguing clash with Tottenham at San Mames.

David Bentley praises Tottenham performance

Both clubs may be struggling for form in the Premier League, with Manchester United and Tottenham sitting 15th and 16th respectively, and neither side escaping criticism.

But following Spurs‘ latest triumph, TNT Sports pundit David Bentley had high praise for the north London side.

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The former Tottenham midfielder admitted he felt slightly nervous ahead of the match given Tottenham’s up-and-down season, but quickly applauded the team’s effort, branding the display as both outstanding and professional.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Bentley said: “Happy night, I was nervous a little bit before the game, just with the conditions, with the sort of season Tottenham have had, and you just think, ahh please do not.

“But I thought they turned up, they were outstanding. Real professional performance and they have got to a final and it is beautiful, go on and win it and beat Man United, happy days.”

Spurs show confidence despite Bodo/Glimt’s artificial pitch

Of course, there had been plenty of noise around the artificial turf at Bodo/Glimt’s stadium before kick-off.

The general consensus was that Tottenham might find it difficult to adapt to the unusual surface, but the visitors were impressive from the first whistle right until the final one.

There were a number of standout performers for Tottenham throughout the match, with the team looking solid both in attack and defence.

Tottenham fans are dreaming again as the Europa League final awaits, and they have sent a simple message to the club – “please win it.”

Tottenham Hotspur are going to Spain! The Lilywhites will contest their second European final in six years, a remarkable feat for a side so often labelled nearly men on the continental stage.

How ironic that it happened on May 8 – the same date Lucas Moura gave many Tottenham fans one of their most cherished memories in Amsterdam.

This time, it was not last-minute heroics, but one of the most complete displays of the 2024/25 campaign, sealing a trip to San Mames in Bilbao.

Ange Postecoglou and this group of players are edging towards something special. They now stand one win away from ending Tottenham’s 17-year wait for silverware – and this time, it genuinely feels within reach.

Tottenham fans react to European final win over Bodo/Glimt

Spurs fans were in a celebratory mood after watching their side dismantle Bodo/Glimt with a 5-1 aggregate win, sealed by a professional 2-0 display at the Arctic Circle.

A clean sheet and two well-taken goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro comfortably saw off the Norwegian side.

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With a place in the final now booked, supporters flooded social media to share their delight at Tottenham’s latest European achievement, sending a message to the club to get the job done in Spain.

One fan wrote: “Harry Kane won one. Sonny, now it is your turn!” while another posted: “One to go💪.”

Another supporter, clearly pleased by the result, added: “We are winning it.” One more declared: “It is time for our club to win a trophy with this occasion. Viva Tottenham!”

The performances were not overlooked either. “Special shout out to the entire backline tonight. Men against boys. Real captain’s performance from Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro all magnificent. Yves Bissouma with another outstanding game alongside Rodrigo Bentancur since coming back into the side after being frozen out. Great effort.”

And another summed it up perfectly: “All I want to see is Son lift that big, beautiful trophy. #COYS.”

Spurs face Manchester United final in Bilbao

Of course, several Tottenham fans are behind this group of players, hoping to see their bleak 2024/25 campaign end on a high.

Standing in their way, however, is Manchester United – themselves limping through a dire domestic season and currently marooned in the bottom six of the Premier League.

Both sides will be going for it in Bilbao on the 21st of May, and for Tottenham, lifting the trophy would mean beating Manchester United for a fourth time this season. COME ON YOU SPURS!!!

Micky van de Ven has delivered a passionate message to Tottenham supporters following their Europa League semi-final triumph over Bodo/Glimt, urging belief as silverware remains within touching distance.

Given Tottenham Hotspur’s poor form domestically this season, the narrative surrounding their campaign has largely been one of all-or-nothing in the Europa League.

Credit must go to this group of players and Ange Postecoglou, who have battled through each hurdle to earn themselves a place in the Europa League final at San Mames in Spain.

Their latest result saw them brush aside Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, securing a 2-0 win on the night at the Arctic Circle and a commanding 5-1 victory on aggregate, with Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro getting on the scoresheet.

Micky van de Ven reacts to Tottenham win over Bodo/Glimt

Next up for Spurs in this competition is a mouthwatering all-English final, after Manchester United dismantled Athletic Bilbao 4-1 at Old Trafford, sealing a 7-1 aggregate triumph.

While Tottenham now face a familiar rival in their bid to lift the Europa League trophy, defender Micky van de Ven has taken a moment to send a heartfelt message to the club’s fans, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.

He has also made it clear that, despite their domestic woes, the squad firmly believes they can still achieve something memorable before the season ends.

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He told TNT Sports: “Unbelievable feeling. What can I say? We had a tough season but we are one game away from winning some silverware.

“We showed some character today, some mentality also. They did not create any chances and then we scored two goals and kept a clean sheet. The artificial grass, it is cold and rainy, we showed great mentality to win 2-0.

“We want to thank them all for their support and let us go to Bilbao. In the league we are not doing well but we can make it something special.”

Spurs eye Europa League glory amid Premier League struggles

Indeed, lifting the Europa League would mean everything to Tottenham, who have not claimed a major trophy since their League Cup triumph in 2008.

Ange Postecoglou mentioned earlier in the campaign that his second seasons tend to deliver silverware, and with Spurs now in a European final, that fact is edging closer to reality.

Tottenham currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, so their only path to next season’s UEFA Champions League runs through Bilbao and the Europa League final.

Their opponents, Manchester United, are not much better off domestically, sitting just one place above Spurs in the standings, which sets up a high-stakes, fiery showdown with a Champions League berth also on the line.

Pedro Porro quietly delivered one of his most complete performances of the season in Tottenham’s Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt, and now the underlying stats are backing it up.

While Tottenham Hotspur have battled with a never-ending injury list throughout the 2024/25 campaign, one man has remained ever-present, ticking along under the radar – Pedro Porro.

The Spanish full-back, at the time of writing, has played more minutes than any other outfield player at the club, clocking up a staggering 3,892 minutes across all competitions.

What makes that number even more impressive is that Porro has not just been a body on the pitch. He has been a reliable contributor, playing his part at both ends of the pitch and stepping up in big moments when Spurs have needed him most.

Pedro Porro shines for Tottenham in Bodo/Glimt win

Against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, Pedro Porro produced arguably his finest all-round display in a Tottenham shirt this season – a performance that blended defensive solidity with attacking threat.

The full-back scored Tottenham’s second goal of the night and helped the team secure a clean sheet, but it was the full 90-minute display that earned him plaudits – and rightly so.

According to Fotmob, Porro’s underlying stats showcased exactly why he was Spurs‘ standout performer on the night.

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According to their data, going forward, Porro was a threat for Tottenham, as the full-back created two chances, had two shots on target, played 12 passes into the final third, completed four out of nine crosses and delivered three accurate long balls.

Defensive solidity from Spurs defender Pedro Porro

Defensively, the Spaniard was just as sharp. Porro made one last-man tackle, was not dribbled past once, won three out of four ground duels, made three ball recoveries and five defensive actions, all while maintaining composure throughout the contest – it truly was a man-of-the-match display.

The goal against Bodo/Glimt was his fourth of the season in all competitions – a healthy tally for a full-back, especially one playing in a system that demands both defensive discipline and attacking output.

In terms of overall goal contributions, Porro now has 13 this season – four goals and nine assists – underlining his importance in both domestic and European competitions.

The Spaniard has been instrumental in Tottenham’s Europa League campaign so far, with a crucial assist in the first leg against Bodo/Glimt and an equaliser in their quarter-final tie against Frankfurt.

Tottenham Hotspur had a job to do in Norway on Thursday evening and a 2-0 away win over Bodo/Glimt was more than enough to book a place in the Europa League final.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from Bodo/Glimt 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham are in the Europa League final

Tottenham Hotspur are through to the Europa League final. Tottenham Hotspur are through to the Europa League final. Tottenham Hotspur are through to the Europa League final. Shall we write it out a few more times? After enduring arguably the worst Premier League season in the club’s history, Spurs fans are finally being treated, but it is very much a case of all or nothing.

On the one hand, Tottenham could end their 17-year trophy drought, lift a European trophy, book a place in the 2025/26 Champions League, boost their summer transfer funds, and even set up a clash with PSG or Inter Milan in the UEFA Super Cup. On the other hand, if Spurs lose the final, they finish the season with absolutely nothing, heading into the summer with little money to spend, a new manager hunt, no Europe for next season, an 18-plus-year trophy drought, and a tough task to convince new players to join.

Tottenham Hotspur – would you have it any other way?

Bentancur and Bissouma solid in midfield

Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield is peaking at just the right time. We all know that Rodrigo Bentancur was immense during his first year in North London, but he never rediscovered those high levels after his long-term injury. We are now finally seeing the Uruguayan back to his best, controlling games with ease and ticking Tottenham over expertly, even under pressure in the engine room.

Perhaps even more surprising is a return to form for Yves Bissouma. The Mali international has been pretty shocking all season and lost his place in the XI to a teenager who played his football in Sweden last season. However, with injuries to James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, the former Brighton man has been thrust back into the limelight and has been one of Tottenham’s best players over the two legs against Bodo/Glimt. Of course, Man United in the final will be a very different task, and one Bissouma must rise to.

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Tottenham’s slight worry over Dejan Kulusevski

The one slight worry in midfield comes in the form of Dejan Kulusevski. Maddison and Bergvall have been Tottenham’s main creative forces in the second half of the season. Despite Kulusevski being Spurs’ player of the season in the first six months of the campaign, he has been sleepwalking since his return from injury last month. James Maddison is out injured for the rest of the season, while Lucas Bergvall will also miss the Europa League final through injury. That means Kulusevski is guaranteed to start in the number 10 position and Spurs will rely on his creativity against Man United in the final third.

The Sweden international once again struggled with the pace and physicality a little on Bodo/Glimt’s artificial pitch. While he got through plenty of hard work, he lacked his usual flair, drive, and creativity on the ball, particularly in the attacking half. The fact that Maddison was just hitting superb form before his injury also leaves Deki with big shoes to fill. That means Tottenham have two weeks to get him into the best physical window possible for the final in Bilbao.

Micky Van de Ven and Romero masterclass

Cristian Romero may want to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but lifting a European trophy would be an incredible way to leave. Missing both Romero and Micky Van de Ven has been the story of Spurs’ season. With them, Ange-ball at least looks possible. Without them, it simply falls apart. This evening, we saw the very best version of both players. Some may dismiss it as ‘only Bodo/Glimt’ but the Norwegian side have scored in every single home game in 2025 so far… until Cristian and Micky came to town.

Romero has always been a player who flits between world-class and a liability – tonight was most certainly the former. He was aggressive in all the best ways without stepping over the line. He was positive with his passing and took no risks with Spurs’ two-goal lead. He even got up to win a header from a corner that set up Tottenham’s all-important opener.

Van de Ven, on the other hand, was superb from start to finish. He used his pace to great effect on the few times Bodo/Glimt got in behind, but it was his positioning in and around the box that impressed us most. What is usually the weakest part of his game was a real strength today and that should be applauded.

Now, one more titanic performance is needed on May 21st!

Spurs’ uninverted full-backs are a weapon