The Arctic Circle giant-killers out to upset Postecoglou again

​The term "Arctic Circle giant-killers" refers to Norwegian football club Bodø/Glimt, who gained prominence in European competitions by defeating higher-profile teams. One notable instance was during the 2021–22 UEFA Europa Conference League when they eliminated Celtic, managed by Ange Postecoglou at the time. In the first leg at Celtic Park, Bodø/Glimt secured a 3-1 victory, capitalizing on Celtic's lack of clinical finishing and composure. The second leg in Norway saw Bodø/Glimt win 20 completing a 5-1 aggregate triumphThis defeat was a significant setback for Postecoglou early in his European managerial career. Despite making six changes to the lineup for the second leg, Celtic couldn't overturn the deficit. The challenging conditions in Bodø, located within the Arctic Circle, added to the difficulty, with temperatures dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius and strong winds affecting play. ​

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Currently managing Tottenham Hotspur, Postecoglou faces scrutiny due to a series of poor results, including a 2-1 home loss to Leicester City, marking their sixth defeat in seven league games. Despite the pressure, he remains committed to his attacking philosophy, stating, "I am here, I am going to fight to make sure we bring success to this football clubThe term "Arctic Circle giant-killers" continues to symbolize Bodø/Glimt's remarkable achievements against more established clubs, and their past victory over Postecoglou's CeltiIn the windswept north of Norway, where the sun disappears for months in winter and reemerges to endless daylight in summer, a football revolution has quietly been brewing. Bodø/Glimt, the club from within the Arctic Circle, has emerged as one of the most remarkable underdog stories in European football. Now, they’re once again poised to challenge Ange Postecoglou—the manager they stunned in 2022 when he led Celtic—this time as he guides Tottenham Hotspur through a turbulent seasonc remains a notable highlight in their history David vs. Goliath — Revisited

The last time Bodø/Glimt faced Ange Postecoglou in European competition, the Norwegian side delivered a stunning blow. In the 2021–22 UEFA Europa Conference League, they dismantled Celtic 5–1 on aggregate, shocking many who had never heard of the club from the small city of Bodø, population 55,000. Celtic, rich in tradition and resources, couldn’t match the tactical discipline and relentless pace of the Arctic Circle team.

Now, in 2025, Bodø/Glimt and Postecoglou are on a collision course once more. This time, Postecoglou leads Tottenham Hotspur into the UEFA Europa League semifinals—his squad battered by poor domestic form and mounting pressure. Spurs, despite their vast financial resources and Premier League status, face a Bodø/Glimt side unafraid of reputations and armed with belief The Rise of Bodø/Glimt

Bodø/Glimt’s ascent is one of the most inspiring stories in modern football. Historically a modest club with limited success, they reinvented themselves with a bold, attacking philosophy under head coach Kjetil Knutsen. By focusing on player development, data-driven tactics, and an unwavering team spirit, they’ve punched far above their weight.

Their European credentials are growing. The win over Celtic in 2022 was followed by a shocking 6–1 thrashing of José Mourinho’s AS Roma, and more recently, they dispatched Lazio in a dramatic quarterfinal tie settled on penalties. Each step forward cements their status as true “giant-killers.”

Playing at Aspmyra Stadion—with its capacity of just over 8,000 and artificial pitch designed to handle sub-zero temperatures—Bodø/Glimt have turned their home into a fortress. Visiting teams often struggle to adapt to both the weatTottenham in Trouble

While Bodø/Glimt thrive, Tottenham Hotspur are in the midst of a crisis. Postecoglou’s first season began with promise, but has since spiraled into inconsistency and discontent. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, with a staggering 19 losses from 34 games. Their form has plummeted, and criticism from fans and pundits alike has intensified.

For Postecoglou, success in Europe could be the saving grace. A Europa League title would bring not only silverware but also Champions League qualification—critical for a club of Tottenham’s ambitions. In recent interviews, he has underlined the importance of sticking to his attacking philosophy, refusing to compromise in the face of adversity.her and the intensity of their hosts.Mind Over Money

The contrast between the two clubs is stark. Tottenham’s squad is worth hundreds of millions of pounds; Bodø/Glimt operate with an annual budget of just €25 million. But money doesn’t always dictate outcome—especially in knockout football. What Bodø/Glimt lack in financial firepower, they make up for with unity, tactical discipline, and fearless ambition.

Their mental resilience is no accident. The club has invested in psychological training and emotional well-being programs as part of their development model. They train with intensity, foster a culture of constant improvement, and treat every European night as an opportunity to prove themselves on the biggest stageWhat’s at Stake

For Bodø/Glimt, another win over Postecoglou would further solidify their reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous underdogs. It would also place them within reach of their first major European final—an astonishing feat for a club from so far north.

For Tottenham and Postecoglou, this is a test of character. Can they rally, overcome their form, and avoid another embarrassing European exit at the hands of the same Arctic adversary?

Regardless of the outcome, this match-up is a celebration of football’s unpredictability. It reminds us that passion, planning, and purpose can overcome even the biggest budget