Fri 09 May 2025, 13:55
Tottenham HotspurDominic Solanke described the ‘joy and relief’ of his crucial goal in the second leg of our UEFA Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt in Norway on Thursday night.
Leading 3-1 from the first leg, everything had gone to plan at the Aspmyra Stadion, our pressing game and sheer physicality knocking the home side out of their rhythm on the artificial surface.
However, at 0-0 on the night, the importance of the first goal of the contest was clear, and Dominic was there when it mattered, pouncing to convert from close range after Cuti Romero headed Mathys Tel’s corner back into the danger zone. That made it 4-1 on aggregate and five minutes later, it was all over as Pedro Porro’s cross floated into the far corner for 2-0 on the night, 5-1 on aggregate and a place in the final against Manchester United in Bilbao on 21 May.
It was no less than Dominic deserved after a tireless display, leading our press, particularly closing down goalkeeper Nikita Haikin on numerous occasions, and that certainly seemed to rattle Bodo/Glimt’s preference of playing out from the back.
Speaking to our Review Show, Dom told us about the important of his goal. “Oh yes, honestly, because you know when the lead is two goals, if they score first the game can obviously go a different way. We wanted to get that first goal and, yes, I managed to be in the right place at the right time. There was a lot of joy, but relief as well.”
Dominic on how it feels to be in the UEL final...
“It feels incredible, honestly, the lads in a changing room, they’re phenomenal right now, and I’m sure the fans are still having fun out there so, yes, we did what we came here to do, get the job done and get to the final. One more to go, hopefully we can go on and win it.”
Dominic on our pressing game...
“Tonight was all about staying disciplined. We knew it was going to be a difficult game, they are very good at home, we’re playing in difficult conditions, so we knew we had to stay compact, press well, stay disciplined and limit their chances early on. We managed to do that, get the first goal and from there, we saw the game out.”
Dominic on what it means to the squad to reach the final...
“It means everything. Obviously, it's been a tough season, especially in the league, but we've put performances together in Europe and ultimately, we’re one game away from a trophy now – the club’s waited for years, the fans have waited for years. We really want it as well, so, one more to go and hopefully we can do it.”
