Tottenham Hotspur ended a 17-year wait for silverware with a gritty 1-0 victory against Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.
Brennan Johnson’s goal just before halftime, a fortunate and scrappy effort that deflected off Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, proved decisive as Spurs secured their first European trophy since 1984. The win also guarantees Tottenham a spot in next season’s Champions League, a prize Manchester United missed out on, marking a significant financial and sporting setback for the Red Devils.
Despite the triumph, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou’s position remains uncertain following a dismal Premier League campaign that has left his team languishing just below United in the table. The Australian coach, who promised to win silverware in his second season, insisted ahead of the final that he was “not a clown.” His victory in Bilbao proved his critics wrong and gave him the last laugh on a tense night.
“This is what it’s all about. This club hasn’t won a trophy for 17 years, honestly, this is what it means, it means so much,” said Johnson, the Welsh winger who scored the match-winner. “Ever since I came here, it’s been ‘Tottenham are a good team, but they never get it done’ — we got it done!”
The final was played between two struggling sides, positioned 16th and 17th in the Premier League respectively, reflecting the nervousness and lack of confidence on display. The match was marked by numerous turnovers, poor ball control, and frequent fouls, with both teams fighting hard but failing to find rhythm.
Early in the match, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire made a key block from Spurs’ Pape Sarr, who had broken through on the right flank. Meanwhile, United’s promising winger Amad Diallo showed flashes of skill but could not convert chances into goals.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when Spurs midfielder Sarr, who had been quiet until then, swung in a cross that flicked off Shaw’s shoulder and Johnson’s boot before trickling over the line past United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
In the second half, Tottenham defended deeply to protect their slim lead, looking for counter-attacking chances. They nearly doubled their advantage through Dominic Solanke, but the striker failed to control a key pass. Manchester United pushed forward desperately, with Rasmus Hojlund’s header spectacularly cleared by Micky van de Ven in a critical defensive moment for Spurs.
Tottenham made a late substitution, bringing on captain Son Heung-min to bolster the attack. United also introduced Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee, but neither side managed to alter the scoreline.
Luke Shaw had a chance to redeem himself near the end, but his header was saved by Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Following the defeat, United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged that winning the trophy would not have solved the club’s underlying problems but noted it could have offered a platform for rebuilding. Instead, Manchester United will face the unprecedented challenge of missing out on European football next season for the first time since 2014-15.
The Europa League final victory marks a significant milestone for Tottenham, who now look forward to competing on Europe’s biggest stage next season, while Manchester United must regroup after a season of setbacks.
