Tottenham Hotspur's European campaign hit an unexpected stumbling block in Norway as they were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Bodø/Glimt in the Europa Conference League round of 16 first leg.
The Arctic conditions provided a stark contrast to Premier League football as Antonio Conte's side faced one of their trickiest tests of the season against the Norwegian champions.
Dream Start for Spurs
Spurs appeared to be cruising when they took an early lead through new signing Dejan Kulusevski. The Swedish international continued his impressive start to life in North London with a well-taken finish that suggested Tottenham might run away with the tie.
The visitors doubled their advantage before halftime, seemingly putting one foot in the quarter-finals and justifying their status as tournament favourites.
Norwegian Fightback
However, the second half told a different story entirely. Bodø/Glimt emerged transformed after the interval, showcasing exactly why they've become one of European football's most talked-about underdog stories.
The Norwegian side pulled one back early in the second period, before completing their remarkable comeback with an equaliser that sent the home crowd into raptures.
Conte's Concerns
Antonio Conte will be deeply concerned about his team's second-half capitulation, particularly given their recent improved defensive performances. The Italian manager watched helplessly as his side surrendered control of a match they had dominated for 45 minutes.
With the return leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looming, Spurs now face a must-win situation against opponents who've proven they shouldn't be underestimated.
What This Means for Tottenham
The draw represents a significant setback for Tottenham's hopes of securing silverware this season. As one of the strongest teams remaining in the competition, expectations were high that Spurs would progress comfortably.
Instead, they now face a nervy second leg in London, where anything less than victory would see them crash out of European competition entirely.
Bodø/Glimt have sent a clear message to the football world: they're not just making up the numbers in this competition, and Tottenham Hotspur have been given a harsh reminder of the perils of European football.
