Although Son Heung-min (Tottenham) did not participate in the game, a bright smile spread across his face. Even though he did not take the field, he enjoyed the victory with the team from the bench.

Sports Bible reported on the 2nd (Korea time) that "Son Heung-min, who missed the match due to injury, showed a bright smile while watching Tottenham's UEFA Europa League victory from the bench."

Son Heung-min did not play in the UEFA Europa League semifinals first leg home match against Bodø/Glimt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on the 2nd, but played a significant role in elevating the atmosphere in the stadium.

With Son Heung-min watching the game from the stands next to the bench due to an 'ankle injury' that still does not have an accurate diagnosis, Tottenham took a 2-goal lead before heading into a hellish away trip to Norway as the attack squad's effectiveness exploded.

However, allowing one goal in the final moments of the second half left some unease, though it was clear that there was a distinct difference in the strength of the two teams.

Having not shown up for training the previous day and widely expected to miss the match, Son Heung-min sat in the bench wearing casual clothes and cheered, clapping and encouraging his teammates. In particular, he showed active reactions from the bench alongside Radu Dragusin, demonstrating his presence throughout the game.

Tottenham employed a 4-3-3 formation that day. Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson formed the front three, while James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Yves Bissouma led the midfield. The defense consisted of Destiny Udogie, Mickey van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Pedro Porro, with Guglielmo Vicario in goal.

As soon as the match started, Tottenham seized the momentum. In the 1st minute, Brennan Johnson finished Richarlison's cross with a header to score the first goal. Following this, James Maddison's penetrating goal and Dominic Solanke's penalty kick goal quickly widened the score to 3-0.

However, the atmosphere somewhat faltered in the second half. As Maddison and Solanke were substituted in sequence, Bodo/Glimt took advantage of the lapse in concentration to score one goal. The match ended with Tottenham leading 3-1.

After the match, Tottenham's club revealed a video on its official social media account showing Son Heung-min lifting his arms in triumph from the bench after the goal. The accompanying message was, "SONNY, our everything." It was a short phrase but clearly demonstrated the symbolic role Son Heung-min holds within the team.

This match was an important moment as Tottenham took its first step toward achieving its ultimate goal of winning the UEFA Europa League this season. The cheers from the stands and the bench were hotter than ever, and the applause for Son Heung-min was especially ceaseless.

The official UEFA account also highlighted Son Heung-min’s response, stating, "He may not have been on the field, but he is always at the center of the team." Fans also praised his leadership on social media, stating that "despite being injured, he showed the most passionate presence from the bench."

Sports Bible noted that "Son Heung-min's smile was not just a simple laugh but a signal of taking the first step toward the final. If Tottenham succeeds in winning the UEFA Europa League, Son Heung-min will finally claim his first official trophy."

Whether inside the stadium or not, Son Heung-min remained at the center of Tottenham. Although he was absent, the victory he shared was undoubtedly meaningful.

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