The Champions League returns to the Arctic Circle as Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Aspmyra Stadion on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. This Matchday 2 fixture sees the Eliteserien runners-up take on the Premier League giants, with both teams looking to build momentum in the new 36-team Champions League format. With a fascinating head-to-head history and contrasting current form, this encounter at one of European football’s most challenging venues promises to deliver drama.
Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham Head-to-Head Record
Bodo/Glimt and Tottenham have faced each other twice in competitive matches, both encounters occurring in the 2024-25 Europa League semi-finals. The Norwegian champions have never defeated Tottenham, with Spurs securing convincing victories in both legs. Tottenham won the first leg at home 3-1, with goals from Brennan Johnson (1st minute), James Maddison (34th minute), and Dominic Solanke (61st minute penalty), while Ulrik Saltnes scored a late consolation for Bodo/Glimt. The second leg in Norway saw Tottenham complete the job with a 2-0 victory, thanks to strikes from Solanke (63rd minute) and Pedro Porro (69th minute), securing a 5-1 aggregate triumph.
These results extended Tottenham’s perfect record against Norwegian teams, having previously defeated Tromso twice in 2013-14 and Lyn in 1972-73. Conversely, Bodo/Glimt have struggled against English opposition, losing all five of their previous UEFA competition matches against Premier League clubs, including defeats to Arsenal (twice) and Manchester United.
Current Season Analysis
Bodo/Glimt’s Domestic Dominance
Bodo/Glimt have enjoyed another exceptional domestic campaign in the 2025 Eliteserien season. Currently sitting in 2nd place out of 16 teams, they have recorded an impressive 15 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses from 22 matches, achieving a 68% win rate. Their attacking prowess has been remarkable, scoring 59 goals at an average of 2.68 goals per match while maintaining defensive solidity with just 20 goals conceded (0.91 per match).
The Norwegian champions have been particularly formidable at home, winning 8 out of 11 matches at the Aspmyra Stadion with a scoring average of 3.09 goals per match. Their top scorer Kasper Høgh leads the Eliteserien with 16 goals, followed by veteran midfielder Ulrik Saltnes with 7 goals. The team’s excellent form has seen them qualify for their first-ever Champions League league phase, becoming the northernmost team to ever reach this stage of the competition.
Tottenham’s Mixed Start Under Thomas Frank
Tottenham’s 2025 season has been a tale of contrasts under new manager Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in June 2025 following their Europa League triumph. While Spurs successfully ended their 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League with a victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, their Premier League form has been concerning.
In the Champions League, Tottenham opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Villarreal in Matchday 1, thanks to an early own goal. However, their domestic form has been problematic, particularly at home where they have won just 3 of 12 Premier League matches in 2025. Recent performances include draws against Brighton and Wolves, highlighting their struggle to convert home advantage into victories.
The Aspmyra Advantage
Bodo/Glimt’s home fortress presents unique challenges for visiting teams. The 8,270-capacity Aspmyra Stadion features artificial turf with under-soil heating and is located above the Arctic Circle, creating a distinctive playing environment. The synthetic surface has proven particularly problematic for visiting teams, with defender Odin Bjortuft acknowledging it as “an advantage for us” because “the ball goes really fast here”.
The Norwegian champions have built an intimidating home record in European competition, winning 28 of their last 34 home games in all European competitions. During their Europa League run, they demonstrated remarkable home resilience, including a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Lazio where the artificial pitch proved crucial. Their home European record since 2020 shows just 5 losses in 31 games, with each defeat coming by a single goal margin.
Tactical Considerations
Bodo/Glimt will likely approach this fixture with their typical high-intensity pressing game and quick passing combinations that are enhanced by their artificial surface. The home team’s strategy will center around exploiting the pace of the synthetic pitch and creating overloads in wide areas. Their recent 2-2 draw with Slavia Prague in their Champions League opener showed both their attacking threat and defensive vulnerabilities.
Thomas Frank’s Tottenham will need to adapt quickly to the unique playing conditions. The artificial surface traditionally favors quick, short passing combinations over aerial duels and long balls. Frank’s pragmatic approach, which helped secure the Europa League title, will be crucial in navigating this challenging away fixture.
Statistics for the Match
Based on current form and historical performance, this encounter presents several key statistical trends. Bodo/Glimt have maintained an exceptional home record with 73% wins at the Aspmyra Stadion this season, averaging over 3 goals per home match. Their European home form has been even more impressive, creating a fortress-like atmosphere that few visiting teams have conquered.
Tottenham’s away form in Europe has been mixed, with their recent Europa League success built more on solid defensive displays than free-flowing attacking football. Their 1-0 victory over Villarreal suggests Frank is prioritizing defensive stability in European competition, a stark contrast to the attacking philosophy of his predecessor.
The teams’ previous meetings indicate a clear pattern: Tottenham’s quality ultimately prevailed despite Bodo/Glimt’s home advantage. However, the Champions League stage brings additional pressure and expectations that could influence the tactical approach of both sides.
What is the Prediction?
In conclusion, despite Tottenham’s superior individual quality and perfect record against Norwegian opposition, our match prediction is for a Bodo/Glimt victory. The home advantage at the unique Aspmyra Stadion, combined with the artificial pitch and Arctic conditions, gives the Norwegian champions a significant edge. Bodo/Glimt’s exceptional home European record, coupled with Tottenham’s current struggles away from home and adaptation challenges under Thomas Frank, supports this prediction.
The artificial surface and intense atmosphere above the Arctic Circle have historically proven decisive factors, with visiting teams consistently struggling to adapt to the unique conditions. While Tottenham possess greater individual talent, Bodo/Glimt’s tactical familiarity with their home environment and exceptional recent form make them favorites to secure their first-ever victory against English opposition. The Champions League debut at home provides additional motivation for the Norwegian champions to create European history.
Summary
Match: Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham
Bet: Bodo/Glimt to win
Odds: 2.8 / +180
