Tottenham Hotspur ended a 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday night at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.With both clubs struggling in the Premier League, the final offered a last shot at silverware and Champions League qualification. Spurs rose to the occasion.
Brennan Johnson’s 42nd-minute strike, deflecting off Luke Shaw, proved to be the difference in a tense all-English clash. Tottenham’s backline held firm, with Micky van de Ven clearing off the line and Guglielmo Vicario pulling off a crucial stoppage-time save.The victory marks Spurs’ first major trophy since the 2008 League Cup and their first European title since 1984 — capping off a turbulent season with a triumphant finish.
Manchester United, currently 16th in the Premier League going into the final fixture, are now guaranteed to miss out on European football next season for the first time since 2014–15. The pressure on new manager Ruben Amorim intensifies as a difficult rebuild awaits.
While United reflect on a disastrous campaign, Tottenham celebrate a long-awaited return to glory.