Tottenham Hotspur ended their 17-year wait for silverware with a tense 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Wednesday’s Europa League final, capping a dramatic and defining night in Bilbao.
Under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou delivered on his promise to win a trophy in his second season, guiding Spurs to their first major title since the 2008 Carling Cup and securing Champions League qualification in the process.
With both clubs enduring disappointing Premier League campaigns, the Europa League final at San Mamés offered a rare shot at redemption.
In a cagey all-English affair, it was Brennan Johnson who proved decisive—his first-half goal, aided by a deflection off Luke Shaw, ultimately settled the contest.
Spurs were also indebted to a goal-line clearance from Micky van de Ven and a crucial stoppage-time save by Guglielmo Vicario to preserve their slender lead.
Postecoglou’s beaming reaction at the final whistle contrasted sharply with the despair in the Manchester United camp.
The loss not only marked their first Europa League defeat of the season but also confirmed a campaign without European football for the first time since 2014–15, compounding what has already been their worst top-flight season in over half a century.
For manager Ruben Amorim, the rebuilding task just became significantly more difficult.
The first half offered few clear opportunities, though Spurs showed early intent. Andre Onana had to rely on Noussair Mazraoui to intercept a dangerous Pedro Porro cross before denying efforts from Johnson, Pape Sarr, and Richarlison.
United’s Amad Diallo was their brightest spark, narrowly missing the target with a clever shot across goal in the 16th minute.
Tottenham’s breakthrough came in the 42nd minute. Sarr, who had been a fitness doubt before the match, curled in a cross that took a deflection off Shaw and possibly a faint touch from Johnson before trickling past Onana, sending the Spurs supporters into raptures.
After the break, United pressed for an equaliser. Bruno Fernandes saw one effort blocked and another free-kick nearly converted by Leny Yoro.
Diallo and Garnacho also tested Vicario, while Van de Ven produced a heroic clearance off the line to deny Rasmus Hojlund after a nervy moment from his goalkeeper.
As time ticked down, Spurs switched to a back three to weather the storm.
United came close in stoppage time, but Shaw’s header was brilliantly saved by Vicario and Casemiro’s acrobatic attempt hit the side netting.
The win places this Spurs side alongside their historic UEFA Cup-winning squads of 1972 and 1984. For Postecoglou, it’s a vindicating moment.
For United, it’s another bitter blow in a season they’ll be desperate to forget.
