Micky van de Ven: “Myself and Pedro, we were just screaming to each other”
Fri 09 May 2025, 11:25|
Tottenham Hotspur
Micky van de Ven felt a release of pressure when Dominic Solanke delivered the key moment of our UEFA Europa League semi-final, second leg against Bodo/Glimt - and shared that moment with Pedro Porro.
Micky was outstanding as part of a defensive display that refused to allow the Norwegian champions any time to settle or get into their rhythm as we defended a 3-1 lead from last week’s first leg at the Aspmyra Stadion.
Bodo/Glimt had won nine of their 10 home matches in the run to the semi-final, toppling Serie A giants Lazio 2-0 in the home leg of their quarter-final. They had 18 efforts at goal that night, but, as we snapped into challenges and constantly won possession, Bodo/Glimt only mustered seven this time around - Micky a key part of that.
There was still pressure though, right up to the 63rd minute, when Cuti Romero leapt to meet Mathys Tel’s corner and head the ball into the path of Dom, who converted from close range for a 1-0 lead on the night, 4-1 on aggregate.
Speaking on our Review Show from the Aspmyra, Micky said: “I was standing on the side with Pedro, and we were just screaming to each other. We were so happy and, of course, you feel the pressure when it’s 0-0 because if they score, anything could happen. So, it was like a relief when you see Dom touch the ball into the back of the net, you know you can breathe a little. Of course, you don’t lose focus, but there is some relief at that moment.”
Pedro soon doubled our lead on the night and that’s how it stayed, 2-0, 5-1 on aggregate, to set up a final against Manchester United in Bilbao on 21 May.
Micky on reaching the final...
“It’s an unbelievable feeling. Everyone is so happy. It’s been a tough season, of course, but we’ve reached the final - one game away from silverware.”
Micky on the press disrupting Bodo/Glimt’s rhythm...
“The guys up front did an unbelievable job with the pressing and the whole team followed. I don’t think they created one opportunity in the first half. In the second half they had two crosses that might have been dangerous, but not really big chances to be honest. So, yes, we played really well. Mentally, we were really strong, disciplined and scored goals as well. So, we win 2-0 over here, and that’s really good if you look at their home record in Europe.”
Micky on what it means to reach the final after such a testing season...
“It’s been a really tough season, as I said, like for the whole squad, the guys falling out (injured), the guys who couldn't be here, but it's also been a big part for us in this European campaign and everybody did an unbelievable job, so now it’s just one more game to go and, of course, we have two league games before the final, but still, it's one game away from a trophy.”
