Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United 1-0 in scrappy Europa League final

Tottenham Hotspur have claimed their first piece of silverware since 2008, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in a gritty UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao as Brennan Johnson's first-half goal proved decisive on a night defined more by tension than quality.

Johnson’s scrappy effort in the 42nd minute—initially ruled a Luke Shaw own goal—came after a low cross from Pape Sarr caused chaos in United’s box. With goalkeeper Andre Onana stranded, both Johnson and Shaw lunged for the ball, which deflected past Onana’s desperate reach and into the net.

The match, like both teams' domestic campaigns, was underwhelming in quality. Yet for Spurs, who finished 17th in the Premier League, the victory marks a triumphant end to a turbulent season and secures a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

It is Tottenham’s first European trophy since their UEFA Cup win in 1984 and ends a painful 17-year wait for silverware since their 2008 League Cup triumph.

Turning the Tide

Despite the unremarkable nature of the match, Johnson’s goal and several key defensive plays sealed the victory. Manchester United came close to equalizing multiple times—most notably through Rasmus Højlund, whose header was spectacularly cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven. Late in the match, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made crucial saves from Alejandro Garnacho and Luke Shaw to preserve the lead.

“I’m so happy,” Johnson said post-match. “We always get told we’re a good team that never finishes the job. Tonight, we finished the job. This one’s for the fans.”

Postecoglou's Redemption

The victory is also a personal vindication for Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou. Under immense pressure after a dismal league campaign marked by 21 defeats, the Australian had promised that he typically delivers trophies in his second season at a club—and he kept that promise.

“I’m still taking it all in,” Postecoglou said. “You could feel the nerves around the club, the burden of years without success. But now that burden is gone. We’ve taken the monkey off our back.”

For 59-year-old Postecoglou, the triumph may serve as the defining moment of his tenure and a critical step in securing his future at the club.

United’s Misery Deepens

For Manchester United and coach Rúben Amorim, the loss caps off a season of bitter disappointment. Sitting 16th in the Premier League and now facing a campaign without European football, United must regroup and rebuild without the allure of continental competition.

The defeat was United’s fourth of the season to Spurs, who now boast a historic sweep over their old rivals—a first in the club’s history.

A Night to Remember for Spurs Fans

As captain Son Heung-min lifted the trophy amidst confetti and celebration in the warm Bilbao night, it was a moment of long-awaited joy for Tottenham’s supporters. After decades of frustration, heartbreak, and near-misses, Spurs finally had a European night to savour.

In a season where little had gone right, Tottenham found redemption on the continental stage—and with it, hope for the future.