Tottenham Hotspur brought an end to their 17-year wait for silverware with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final, securing both the trophy and a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The match, held at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, was far from a classic, but the result was all that mattered for the North London side.
With both teams struggling domestically, the final carried high stakes. The winner not only lifted a major European trophy but also claimed a lifeline into the Champions League.
Unsurprisingly, early exchanges were nervy, and neither defense looked particularly solid.
Tottenham created the first real opportunity when Brennan Johnson surged down the right flank and squared for Pape Matar Sarr, whose shot was blocked by Harry Maguire. United responded at the other end, with Maguire setting up Amad Diallo to send a dangerous effort skimming across the face of goal after Spurs failed to clear a corner.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute. Sarr whipped in a teasing cross that caused chaos in the box.
Johnson made contact at the near post, and in the ensuing scramble, Luke Shaw inadvertently bundled the ball into his own net. It wasn’t pretty, but it was perfectly timed as the first half drew to a close.
The goal marked the 31st time United had conceded first this season—more than any other Premier League side in all competitions. Yet they continued to press, with Rasmus Højlund heading over from an Amad delivery and Guglielmo Vicario denying Leny Yoro after Bruno Fernandes’ set-piece.
Tottenham’s narrow lead came under intense pressure in the second half. Vicario misjudged a routine free-kick from Fernandes, only for Micky van de Ven to produce a remarkable acrobatic clearance to keep out Højlund’s header.
United pushed forward, with Fernandes squandering a gilt-edged chance and substitute Alejandro Garnacho forcing a sharp save from Vicario.
Despite United’s late pressure, Spurs held firm to claim their first trophy since 2008.
It was a momentous night for manager Ange Postecoglou, marking his 100th game in charge with the club’s 150th win in European competition. In contrast, United’s 15-match unbeaten Europa League run came to a bitter end, prompting deeper questions about the club’s underwhelming season under Ruben Amorim.
Tottenham Hotspur End Trophy Drought with Europa League Triumph Over Manchester United
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