It was not a goal created from a calculated strike. Pedro Porro (26, Tottenham Hotspur) candidly confessed about the lucky goal.
Tottenham defeated Bodo/Glimt (Norway) 2-0 in the away match of the second leg of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) semifinals for the 2024-2025 season at the Asmir Stadium in Bodo, Norway, on the 9th at 4 a.m. (Korean time).
As a result, Tottenham successfully advanced to the final, defeating Bodo with an aggregate score of 5-1. They won the first leg at home last week 3-1, and by winning the challenging away match in Bodo, they secured a ticket to Bilbao. The Asmir Stadium is located in the Arctic Circle and is often referred to as a graveyard for visiting teams due to the cold weather and artificial turf, but it was not enough to bring down Tottenham.
Tottenham's opponent in the final will be Manchester United, who advanced after defeating Athletic Bilbao. On the same day, Manchester United achieved a 4-1 comeback victory at home against Bilbao, advancing to the final with an aggregate score of 7-1. Both Manchester United and Tottenham are having their worst seasons in the Premier League, and they will face off for the European competition trophy.
If Tottenham manages to beat Manchester United and clinches the title, it will mark the end of a 17-year trophy drought since the 2007-2008 season. Additionally, although they have plummeted to 16th place in the Premier League, they would achieve the rare feat of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season. Most importantly, Son Heung-min will lift a trophy for the first time in his career.
Tottenham, led by manager Ange Postecoglou, started in a 4-3-3 formation. Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson were up front; Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Dejan Kulusevski were in the midfield; Destiny Udogie, Micki van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Pedro Porro were in defense; and Guglielmo Vicario was in goal. Son Heung-min was absent for the seventh consecutive match due to a foot injury.
Tottenham managed to take control against the formidable Bodo at home. They actively pressured from a high position and disrupted the opponent's attacking plays. Although Bodo, desperate for goals, had more possession of the ball, they could not create significant opportunities. Tottenham, having no urgency, focused on not conceding in order to secure their spot in the final.
A tedious battle continued. Tottenham played pragmatically to run down the clock. In the 35th minute of the first half, Bodo threatened the Tottenham goal with a header from Kasper Høgh, but the ball went over the crossbar.
Tottenham, who had been holding out well, found the opening goal. In the 63rd minute, during a corner kick attack, Romero headed the ball down, and Solanke dove in to connect with a shot, finding the back of the net. Tottenham extended their lead to an aggregate score of 4-1, bringing them even closer to the final.
Porro sealed the match. In the 69th minute, he attempted a cross from the right. However, the ball headed towards the goal instead of to a teammate, and passed by the Bodo goalkeeper, striking the opposite post and being pulled into the net. It was a goal that completely dismantled Bodo.
Porro, who scored an unexpected goal, showcased a meaningful celebration. He performed the 'dart celebration' of vice-captain James Maddison, dedicating the goal to his teammate who was watching from outside. Maddison suffered a knee injury in the first leg against Bodo and is confirmed to miss the remainder of the season. He will also not be able to play in the final.
After the match, Porro could not hide his joy. He roared in front of the Tottenham away fans, smiling widely, and in an interview with 'TNT Sports,' he said, "I am really happy to win for the team and the fans. It’s a place really far from London. Our team will celebrate this victory."
He also candidly confessed about the lucky goal. Porro stated, "I aimed the cross towards Solanke. Nevertheless, this is a goal. What matters is that." He added, "A clean sheet is the most important. Today we advanced to the final without conceding."
Meanwhile, the Tottenham fan community 'Spurs Web' named Porro the player of the match. The outlet noted, "Porro was Tottenham's best player in the first half. He scored the second goal, and it may have been an attempted cross, but the outcome is what matters. The referee claimed that Porro committed a foul in the box when the match ended, but even Stevie Wonder could tell that it wasn’t a penalty. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) agreed as well. He played well," giving Porro a rating of 9.
The British outlet 'Football London' echoed similar sentiments. They also gave Porro a rating of 9, alongside Romero, van de Ven, and Udogie. Football London praised, "In the 22nd minute of the first half, he forced the goalkeeper to make a save with a free-kick shot. Porro worked hard along the flanks and was rewarded with a goal. He also managed to showcase an incredible tackle before the penalty decision was canceled."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (reprint and redistribution prohibited), Tottenham Social Media.
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