Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Wednesday to win the Europa League final, claiming their first European title in 41 years. The win also secures the club a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The only goal of the match came just before halftime. Brennan Johnson scored in the 42nd minute after a low cross from Pape Sarr deflected off United’s Luke Shaw and landed at Johnson’s feet. The Welsh forward managed to poke the ball just across the line.
It’s Tottenham’s first major trophy since winning the English League Cup in 2008. Their last European success was in 1984 when they won the UEFA Cup — now known as the Europa League.
The result is a huge boost for Spurs, who have had a disappointing domestic season and sit near the bottom of the Premier League table. The victory offers relief to manager Ange Postecoglou, who has faced criticism throughout the year.
For Manchester United, the loss adds to an already difficult season. Under coach Ruben Amorim, the team is just one place above Tottenham in the league and will miss out on European competition next season.
United had chances to equalize in the second half. In the 68th minute, Rasmus Hojlund’s header was cleared off the line by Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. In stoppage time, a powerful header from Luke Shaw forced a difficult save from goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The match, played in front of nearly 50,000 fans at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, was otherwise even, with few clear scoring opportunities for either side.
The win comes six years after Tottenham lost the 2019 Champions League final to Liverpool. Meanwhile, United’s last trophy was the 2024 FA Cup, and their last European title was the 2017 Europa League under José Mourinho.
The Red Devils have now gone seven straight matches without a win against Spurs, including four defeats this season alone.
Tottenham striker Son Heung-min, who came off the bench in the 67th minute, finally celebrated his first trophy in a decade with the club.
The last time these two teams met in a final was in 2009, when Manchester United won the League Cup on penalties after a goalless draw.
Related topics:
