Tottenham Hotspur clinched their first major trophy in 17 years, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in a tense UEFA Europa League final at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium. Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half goal proved decisive, etching his name into Spurs folklore and delivering a long-awaited European triumph for the North London club.
The final was a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to find rhythm in a nervy, stop-start first half. Manchester United, despite dominating possession (73% to Spurs’ 27%), failed to convert their control into clear-cut chances. Early flashes from Amad Diallo and Destiny Udogie hinted at intent, but neither side managed to seize the initiative until just before halftime.
In the 42nd minute, a well-worked move down the left saw Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur combine before Pape Sarr whipped in a teasing cross. Johnson, reacting quickest, bundled the ball over the line after a ricochet off Luke Shaw, giving Spurs a precious lead in untidy but unforgettable fashion.
Manchester United emerged from the break with renewed urgency. Rasmus Højlund came closest to leveling, only for Micky van de Ven to produce a heroic goal-line clearance, preserving Tottenham’s advantage. United manager Ruben Amorim waited until the 71st minute to introduce attacking reinforcements, but despite late pressure—including a dramatic stoppage-time header from Shaw, brilliantly saved by Guglielmo Vicario—Spurs held firm.
Ange Postecoglou, known for his attacking "Angeball" philosophy, adopted a more pragmatic approach in Europe this season. Spurs’ disciplined defensive shape frustrated United, who, despite their bench options, struggled to break down the resolute Tottenham back line. United’s hesitancy in making changes and their inability to create clear chances ultimately cost them, as Spurs executed their plan to perfection.
For Tottenham, this victory is monumental. It ends a 17-year silverware drought and marks their first European title since 1984, securing them a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The win also offers redemption after a disappointing domestic campaign, with Spurs languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are left to reflect on a season of frustration. The defeat not only denies them a trophy but also leaves them outside European competition for next season, intensifying scrutiny on Amorim and his underperforming squad.
As the final whistle blew, scenes of jubilation erupted among Tottenham players and fans. Johnson, draped in a Welsh flag, summed up the moment:
> This season hasn't been good at all but I swear not one of us players right now care about that. This is what it's all about, this club hasn't won a trophy for 17 years, he told TNT Sports.
Tottenham’s triumph not only delivers long-awaited silverware but also promises a new chapter, with Champions League football and the chance to contest the UEFA Super Cup next season. For United, a summer of soul-searching awaits.
The 2025 Europa League final will be remembered as the night Spurs finally ended their wait—proving, at last, that to dare truly is to do.