- October
1
2025 - 5
When Richarlison, forward for Tottenham Hotspur turned a looming defeat into a salvaged point with a last‑minute own‑goal, the atmosphere at Aspmyra Stadion shifted from disbelief to relief. The drama unfolded on 30 September 2025, the opening night of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, when Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt seemed poised to claim their first ever victory in Europe’s premier club competition.
Match Overview
Refereed by Ivan Kružliak, the game attracted 7,988 fans who witnessed a seesaw battle that ended 2‑2. Jens Petter Hauge opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, volleying home after a quick break. He doubled the lead just thirteen minutes later, sending the home crowd into a roar.
Tottenham, fielding a 4‑3‑3 under Antonio Conte, responded swiftly. Micky van de Ven headed in from a corner in the 68th minute, sparking a frantic chase for the equaliser. With the clock ticking, Richarlison’s forward run forced defender Jostein Gundersen into his own net in the 89th minute – a cruel twist that secured a single point for the visitors.
Key Moments and Tactical Shifts
Both managers stuck to a 4‑3‑3, but their in‑game adjustments told a story. Bodø/Glimt’s coach pushed Patrick Berg, the captain, deeper to shield the backline after the first goal, while still allowing Håkon Evjen to make late runs into the box.
Tottenham’s midfield trio – Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr – began to press higher after the 66th minute, limiting the Norwegian side’s supply lines. The shift paid off when a loose ball from a cleared corner fell to Richarlison, forcing Gundersen’s mishap.
Injury Lists and Squad Depth
Both clubs entered the match with notable absences. Bodø/Glimt were without Magnus Brøndbo (on international duty) and the injured duo Ulrik Saltnes and Ola Brynhildsen. Tottenham, meanwhile, fielded a lineup missing eight regulars, including Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison – a testament to their bench depth.
Statistically, the match was tight: both sides recorded 12 shots, with Bodø/Glimt on target 5 times versus Tottenham’s 4. Possession hovered around 51 % for the hosts, marginally higher than the English side’s 49 %.
Reactions from Coaches and Players
After the final whistle, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte praised his players’ resilience. “We knew we were under pressure, but the squad showed character. Richarlison’s hustle made the difference,” he said in a post‑match interview.
Bodø/Glimt’s coach, although disappointed, highlighted the performance: “We created the chances, we were in control for long periods. A single mistake shouldn’t erase a solid display.” Hauge, who scored both goals, added, “I’m proud, but we’ll learn from this – the group is still wide open.”
Implications for the Group Stage
The draw keeps Tottenham perched on three points after two games, still within striking distance of the group leaders. Their next fixture against Club Brugge will be decisive.
Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, sit on two points. A win in their remaining matches could see them finish mid‑table, a historic achievement for a club that only entered the Champions League last season.
Looking Ahead
Both teams now turn to their upcoming domestic commitments. Tottenham will face a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal, while Bodø/Glimt’s next Eliteserien match pits them against Rosenborg. The balance of squad rotation, injury management, and tactical tweaks will shape their fortunes both at home and abroad.
Key Facts
- Venue: Aspmyra Stadion, Bodø, Norway
- Date & Time: 30 September 2025, 19:00 UTC
- Final Score: Bodø/Glimt 2 – 2 Tottenham Hotspur
- Goal scorers: Jens Petter Hauge (53’, 66’), Micky van de Ven (68’), own‑goal by Jostein Gundersen (89’)
- Referee: Ivan Kružliak (Czech Republic)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw affect Tottenham’s chances of progressing?
Tottenham remain on three points after two matches, trailing group leaders by a single point. A win in the next game against Club Brugge would put them back on top, but any slip‑up could see them rely on other results. The draw keeps the margin narrow, emphasizing the need for points in the remaining fixtures.
What does this result mean for Bodø/Glimt’s historic Champions League campaign?
Earning two points puts Bodø/Glimt in a respectable position for a debutant club. While they missed a chance at a landmark victory, the draw showcases their ability to compete against elite opposition and keeps them in contention for a potential third‑place finish, which would be a first for a Norwegian side.
Who were the key missing players for both teams?
Tottenham were without eight regulars, notably defender Cristian Romero and winger Dejan Kulusevski, while Bodø/Glimt missed Magnus Brøndbo (on duty), and forwards Ulrik Saltnes and Ola Brynhildsen due to injuries. The depth shown by both squads underlines the demanding nature of this season.
What tactical changes did Antonio Conte make after going behind?
Conte pushed his midfielders higher up the pitch, switching to a more aggressive press that forced Bodø/Glimt into errors. He also introduced fresh legs in the attacking third, allowing Richarlison to exploit the space on the left flank, which ultimately led to the decisive own‑goal.
When is Bodø/Glimt’s next Champions League match?
The Norwegian side’s next group‑stage fixture is scheduled for 14 October 2025 against Club Brugge at the Jan Smuts Stadium in Belgium. That game will be crucial for securing a spot in the knockout rounds.
About Author
I am a journalist with a focus on daily news in Africa. I love shedding light on the stories that often go unheard and highlighting the dynamism of the continent. My passion for journalism is driven by a desire to inform, educate, and impact readers.
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Rashi Jaiswal
October 1, 2025 AT 20:47Wow what a thriller! Richarlison's hustle gave us all a reason to smile, cant wait for the next games 🙌
Maneesh Rajput Thakur
October 2, 2025 AT 19:00Honestly, this match shows why the Champions League is a showcase of tactical depth. While many cheer for the drama, it's clear that Conte's decision to press higher mid‑game was the turning point. If you ignore the underlying strategy, you miss the real story.
ONE AGRI
October 3, 2025 AT 17:13Let me tell you, this game was more than just a 2‑2 draw – it was a micro‑cosm of modern football's relentless pressure on young talent. Richarlison, often dismissed as a rolling stone, proved his worth by forcing an own‑goal that will echo through the group stage. The Norwegian side, despite their smaller budget, displayed a surprising cohesion that many pundits underestimated. Their captain, Patrick Berg, was pushed deeper, a tactical tweak that hinted at the coach's awareness of the game's flow. Yet, the real drama unfolded when the ball slipped to Richarlino's feet, turning a simple clearance into a nightmare for Gundersen. Some might say the own‑goal was luck, but luck favors the prepared, and Tottenham's pressing forced the mistake. Moreover, the midfield trio of Bergvall, Bentancur, and Sarr showed a work rate that would make any elite side jealous. Their high press disrupted Bodø's build‑up, creating the chaos that led to the decisive moment. It's also worth noting that Bodø's own resilience, with Hauge's brace, kept the match alive until the final whistle. The fans, a modest crowd of under 8,000, witnessed a narrative that transcended the scoreboard. In my view, this result underlines the importance of depth; Tottenham's ability to field a competitive side despite eight absences showcases a robust squad culture. On the other hand, Bodø's missing players, like Brøndbo, highlight how injuries can sway a nascent European campaign. Ultimately, this draw sets the stage for a fascinating group, with Club Brugge waiting to test both teams further. Remember, football is not just about goals but about the stories woven through each pass, press, and error. The legacy of this match will likely be discussed in locker rooms for weeks to come, especially when analyzing how a single moment can decide fortunes. So, cheer for the effort, respect the tactics, and keep an eye on how these teams evolve.
Himanshu Sanduja
October 4, 2025 AT 15:27Nice work by the Spurs, they really pushed through after being 2‑0 down. The press was solid and the own‑goal was a bit of luck but deserved.
Kiran Singh
October 5, 2025 AT 13:40Great comeback! 👍💪 Richarlison showed why he’s still a clutch player. Looking forward to seeing more of that grit in the next fixtures.
Balaji Srinivasan
October 6, 2025 AT 11:53Interesting match, both sides had moments. The draw keeps things open.
Hariprasath P
October 7, 2025 AT 10:07Man this own‑goal was a real punch, u cant just sit and watch, need to hustle like Richarlison did. Its all bout that mental toughness.
Vibhor Jain
October 8, 2025 AT 08:20Wow, another dramatic finish, totally expected.
Rashi Nirmaan
October 9, 2025 AT 06:33THE DRAW WAS A TESTAMENT TO THE INTEGRITY OF NORWEGIAN FOOTBALL; YET ONE MISTAKE MAY IMPAIR THE TRUE POTENTIAL OF BODØ/GLIMT.
Shubham Abhang
October 10, 2025 AT 04:47Well, the statistics reflect a balanced encounter: equal shots, comparable possession, and a point each. It's a textbook example of a tightly contested group-stage match.
Trupti Jain
October 11, 2025 AT 03:00That was a solid tie-kind of like a spicy curry, a bit of heat, a dash of surprise.
deepika balodi
October 12, 2025 AT 01:13Impressive resilience from Tottenham; the press paid off.
Priya Patil
October 12, 2025 AT 23:27Richarlison’s hustle reminded us all why effort matters more than glamour. Keep the optimism rolling, Spurs!
Ashutosh Kumar Gupta
October 13, 2025 AT 21:40Honestly, this match had more drama than a soap opera. The tension, the near‑misses, and that last‑second own‑goal-pure theatrical gold. But let's be real, no emojis here, just cold hard facts.
fatima blakemore
October 14, 2025 AT 19:53From a philosophical standpoint, this game illustrates the paradox of control versus chaos. While coaches orchestrate tactics, the ball’s trajectory remains indifferent, reminding us that sport mirrors life’s unpredictability. The own‑goal serves as a metaphor for unintended consequences of our actions.
vikash kumar
October 15, 2025 AT 18:07The tactical adjustments were executed with commendable precision; however, the statistical parity suggests room for analytical refinement.
Anurag Narayan Rai
October 16, 2025 AT 16:20Examining the flow of the match, one can observe a clear transition from defensive solidity to aggressive pressing, a shift that underscored the importance of adaptive strategy in high‑stakes competition. The timing of the press, around the 66th minute, aligned with a tactical window that forced the Norwegian side into uncomfortable positions, culminating in the desperate clearance that led to the pivotal own‑goal. Moreover, the psychological impact of conceding a two‑goal lead cannot be understated; it likely affected the morale of Bodø's players, allowing Tottenham to capitalize on the ensuing mental fatigue.
Sandhya Mohan
October 17, 2025 AT 14:33Great effort from both teams, looking forward to the next round!