That dream was kept alive after captain Saltnes scored a goal in the 83rd minute. The ball looping into the back of the net was met with frenzied scenes from the traveling support and stunned Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into silence.
It was a reward for those fans who had made the long journey to watch their team play the biggest game in the club’s 108-year history, and it also offered a glimmer of hope, albeit slim, for the second leg.
At 3-0, this tie was all but over. At 3-1, you never know…
After all, Spurs still need to visit Bodø next week for the return fixture, and fans of the Norwegian club hope the unique experience could unsettle their opponent.
Bodø/Glimt’s home stadium, the Aspmyra Stadion, holds less than 10,000 fans, but supporters sit close to the pitch and create a hostile atmosphere for their opponents. Not only that, but the pitch is made from artificial grass, something that Tottenham’s players will not be used to.
“It is dark for a long period of time, it’s very cold. The winter lasts for quite a while. The town is really quite small, but it’s beautiful in the summer,” Lathan said, explaining what life is like in the small Norwegian city.
“I think the game in Bodø will be the deciding match. It’s so much better to have the final game at home.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Vereide, who said: “I think it’s going to be different for Tottenham to come to Bodø, to play in the Arctic. You never know about the weather, so it’s really exciting.”
The second leg tie will be played on Thursday, with Bodø/Glimt needing to score at least two goals to worry Tottenham.
It may be a tall order, but it is a challenge that Bodø/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen told reporters he is looking forward to, as his side aims to reach the Europa League final.
“With this score, we will have a full stadium (for the second leg) and we can go for it.”