Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham: Will synthetic pitch above the Arctic Circle see Spurs slip up in Europa League semi-final? | Soccer Information

A two-goal benefit heading into the away second leg of a Europa League knockout tie, Tottenham have been on this state of affairs 4 years in the past – and it didn’t finish effectively.

Jose Mourinho’s Spurs let a first-leg 2-0 lead slip towards Dinamo Zagreb after a 3-0 extra-time loss in Croatia. The turnaround was much more extraordinary contemplating Dinamo have been managerless, having misplaced their head coach to a jail sentence between the primary and second legs.

Now Bodo/Glimt are aiming to emulate Dinamo’s comeback on Thursday, with Tottenham holding a 3-1 first-leg semi-final lead. Historical past, nevertheless, shouldn’t be on the Norwegians’ facet.

A two-goal first-leg semi-final deficit has by no means been overturned because the competitors was rebranded because the Europa League in 2009/10.

You must return 37 years – when the competitors was referred to as the UEFA Cup – for the final time it occurred as Espanyol beat Membership Brugge 3-0 at house to win 3-2 on combination and attain the 1988 closing.

‘Synthetic pitch is a bonus for us’

However what is going to give Bodo/Glimt actual perception they will turn out to be Europa League history-makers is their distinctive house fortress.

The 8,270-seater Aspymyra Stadion – positioned above the Arctic Circle – boasts a tough synthetic pitch, freezing temperatures and a cramped ambiance. It has turn out to be an icy graveyard for visiting groups.

Kjetil Knutsen’s facet have received 28 of their final 34 house video games in all European competitions, and are on a five-game successful European house run with their final victory coming towards Lazio.

Simply hours earlier than going through the Italian giants, the Bodo/Glimt pitch was buried in snow, however a mix of under-soil heating, snow ploughs and hard-working groundstaff noticed the sport go forward.

However Lazio want it had not, as they misplaced the quarter-final first leg 2-0 – the artificial floor proving significantly problematic.

“That they had pace of their exchanges due to the substitute pitch,” Lazio boss Marco Baroni advised Sky in Italy.

So how a lot does the substitute pitch actually give the Norwegian champions the higher hand?

“There is not any doubt it is a bonus for us,” reveals Bodo/Glimt defender Odin Bjortuft, who missed the primary leg in north London by way of damage.

“However on the identical time, it is what you are used to. We practice on this pitch every single day, the identical with the group we meet, they practice on grass pitches every single day.

“They’ve a bonus on us, and now we have a bonus on them. I believe it is evened out.

“However in fact, taking part in right here at house is an enormous benefit for us as a result of I do not assume plenty of groups are ready for what’s coming.

“We’ve got managed to do that in a profitable means. The ball goes actually quick right here, and that is a key object for us.”

Spurs have been right here earlier than… at Tamworth

However a synthetic pitch is nothing new for Spurs this season. Ange Postecoglou’s facet performed on one 4 months in the past at Non-League Tamworth, though the consequence was regarding.

Tottenham wanted additional time to keep away from FA Cup third-round embarrassment on the Lamb Floor as they ultimately received 3-0 on the 3G pitch.

That near-disastrous expertise may, nevertheless, show important forward of their journey to Norway.

Requested what makes Bodo/Glimt’s pitch such a difference-maker, Bjortuft explains: “I believe it is a mixture [of things].

“The ball goes actually quick once you play passes, and it is tougher for defenders reaching attackers and getting contact with us. That is what we profit from in these video games.

“In fact, it is a large distinction between synthetic and grass in some ways, however the primary secret is that the ball goes so quick.

“It might be more durable to show and every little thing for gamers that aren’t used to it.”

Friendlier temperature awaits Spurs

Lazio, Olympiakos, Porto, Besiktas and FC Twente have all been frozen out on the Aspymyra Stadion this season.

And 4 years in the past, a much-changed Roma have been hammered 6-1 there as Mourinho suffered the heaviest defeat of his managerial profession, whereas Postecoglou has already tasted defeat at Bodo/Glimt with Celtic after a 2-0 loss in February 2022.

However the ice-cold situations contributing to these upsets won’t be as harsh for Tottenham’s go to.

Besiktas misplaced at Bodo/Glimt in December with the temperature at minus one, however Thursday’s forecast is round seven levels, making it extra tolerable for Spurs.

Requested by Sky Sports activities about whether or not Bodo’s friendlier climate will hinder their possibilities, Bjortuft replies: “I sit up for seeing the solar once more! I do not thoughts it actually, and I do not assume any of us take into consideration that.

“It has been large discuss worldwide for newspapers that the climate is such a bonus for us, however I believe we will play the identical soccer whether or not it is snowing or it is sunny, so there is no distinction for us.”

But when Bjortuft believes the climate is inconsequential, then the ambiance and tightness of the venue are of actual significance.

“It is a smaller stadium than they [Tottenham] are used to. It is actually compact,” the 26-year-old says. “And it is a metropolis that stays collectively.

“We’re actually snug taking part in right here, as many house groups are. I believe now we have backing from the city and they’re actually constructive, even when it goes south.

“It is a good feeling for us to have them on our again.”

‘Tottenham have every little thing to lose’

Bodo/Glimt shall be buoyed by the truth that 60 per cent of their European wins (excluding qualifiers) have been by two or extra targets, together with the house victories over Lazio (2-0) and Olympiakos (3-0) this season.

Spurs shall be determined to keep away from conceding first on Thursday.

“I am not fairly so positive about Tottenham [making the final]. It is right down to the primary objective,” European soccer professional Kevin Hatchard advised Sky Sports activities Information.

“In the event that they get that first objective, with the group and that sort of setting – the plastic pitch within the Arctic Circle – then that turns into an unlimited check for Tottenham psychologically.

“Tottenham have every little thing to lose, however Bodo/Glimt do not have wherever close to as a lot to lose. The strain’s off them to some extent.”

Dinamo Zagreb have been in Bodo/Glimt’s place 4 years in the past and managed to upset the chances. This has the potential to be déjà vu for Spurs.