Football
Bookmakers Back Tottenham to End Glimt’s Fairytale Run in Europa League Semi
Tottenham Hotspur are firm favourites to reach the Europa League final after drawing Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt in the semi-finals. Bookmakers have priced Spurs around 1/3 to qualify over two legs, with Glimt out at 9/4 to cause a major upset.
Despite Glimt’s impressive journey through the tournament, including a famous win over Ajax and a thrilling quarter-final victory against Lazio, the odds reflect a clear gulf in squad depth, experience and resources between the two sides.
Spurs have been dominant in the knockout stages, seeing off Real Sociedad and Sporting Lisbon without needing extra time. With home advantage in the second leg, the market strongly favours them to progress to their first European final since 2019.
A Betfair spokesperson said, “Tottenham are rightly considered heavy favourites. Glimt have been one of the stories of the season, but this is a huge step up in quality for them.”
The first leg will take place in northern Norway, where the arctic conditions and artificial pitch are seen as Glimt’s best chance to take a lead. The home side are 4/1 to win the opener, with a draw priced at 3/1.
Punters have been looking at value in the double chance and handicap markets, particularly given Tottenham’s inconsistent away form. Glimt +1 on the handicap is trading around evens with several major firms.
There’s also a growing sense among tipsters that Glimt could score, even if they do not win. Both teams to score in the first leg is currently priced at 10/11, reflecting their attacking threat and Spurs’ occasional lapses at the back.
While Tottenham hold the advantage on paper and in the betting markets, Glimt’s reputation as giant-killers ensures this tie is far from a foregone conclusion.
