Tottenham took charge of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, though a late goal for the visitors took some of the gloss off a 3-1 first-leg victory.
Ange Postecoglou's side looked to be cruising to a routine win after goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke fired the hosts into a comfortable lead but a late goal from Ulrik Saltnes left Spurs with work to do to get the job done in the Arctic Circle on May 8.
Tottenham have a London derby against West Ham to navigate before full focus can shift to their Norwegian opponents, although wholesale changes will likely be made by Postecoglou, who rested key players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in the defeat to Liverpool last weekend.
With their season and chances of Champions League qualification hinging on the tie, Tottenham got off to the perfect start when Johnson ghosted in at the back post to head home the opener after just 38 seconds.
The hosts were dominant in the first half and made their spell of sustained pressure count when Maddison was perfectly picked out by Pedro Porro over the top of the defence, before the midfielder rounded goalkeeper Nikita Haikin to sweep home a second.
Solanke was then given the perfect opportunity to put his side in firm control from the penalty spot, after Romero was brought down in the area, and the striker made no mistake under pressure as he rolled the ball into the bottom corner.
It looked to be plain sailing for Postecoglou's side until Saltnes' effort deflected in off Rodrigo Bentancur in the 83rd minute, keeping the tie and Bodo's hopes alive in the process.
Tottenham still have the upper hand but the late goal will sow seeds of doubt in the minds of the fanbase, who will be hoping the second leg does not add to the misery they have been forced to endure for much of the season.
Postecoglou: Late goal doesn't reflect our dominance
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou:
"We are in a good position. Players were outstanding and the performance was everything it needed to be. Organised defensively and calm going forward.
"They score the goal late but that doesn't reflect the dominance in the game. If we repeat that in the second leg, it will be enough to go through."
On facing Bodo/Glimt away from home on an artificial pitch, Postecoglou added: "It's a game of football. I've been there and played there. If we are as organised as we were today, it won't matter what the surface is. We will be difficult to stop."
Johnson 'pleased' despite late Bodo/Glimt goal
Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson speaking to TNT Sports:
"We're pleased. If before the game you would have said that we'd have a two-goal cushion, then we'd be happy with it.
"They are a tough team. There is a reason why they have beaten other teams in the past. Disappointed to concede at the end, but we are happy with the performance.
"I didn't realise [his goal] was that early. They are a team that builds in confidence with time to play, so we knew that we had to be onto them straight away. Getting the early goal set the tempo and I thought we started really well."
Has the complexion of the tie changed?
Sky Sports News' Gail Davis:
"That late Bodo/Glimt goal changed the complexion of this tie. It had been a composed, patient and mature performance from Tottenham, whose game plan worked perfectly until Bentancur's deflection.
"Richarlison was excellent in the first half, Maddison showed up and Destiny Udogie was a real handful down the left. Three goals and it seemed comfortable.
"The fans will leave with a niggling doubt though given the Norwegian side's strength at home.
"There are injury concerns too ahead of that second leg with Maddison, Richarlison and Solanke who were all replaced. Most of the fans went home happy, though, and that hasn't been said too much this season. It wouldn't be Spurs without the nerve-jangling drama would it?"
