Man United to face Tottenham Hotspur in what promises to be a dramatic UEFA Europa League final, following strong semi-final victories by both English sides. The much-anticipated clash is scheduled for May 21 in Bilbao.
Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the final after a professional performance in Norway, defeating Bodo/Glimt 2-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate. Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro in the second half ensured Ange Postecoglou’s side stayed on course to end a 17-year trophy drought.
Despite intense weather conditions, including gale-force winds and rain at the Aspmyra Stadium just north of the Arctic Circle, Spurs managed to stay composed. The match, played on artificial turf, saw the London club slow the tempo and rely on counter-attacks.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was even booked for time-wasting as the team tactically contained the Norwegian side. “It was very tough, but we did our job,” a Spurs player was overheard saying post-match.
Bodo/Glimt, from a town with a population of under 50,000, had stunned many with their historic run to the semi-final. Having beaten top sides like Lazio, Porto, and Olympiakos, they earned the respect of European football fans.
Norwegian royals were among the spectators watching their team’s biggest game to date. However, Tottenham’s experience and execution proved too strong.
Porro’s goal, a curling cross that beat everyone and ended in the net, sealed the deal in the 69th minute. By then, Postecoglou was visibly more relaxed, finally enjoying a rare bright moment in what has otherwise been a grim domestic season. Tottenham currently sit 16th in the Premier League and are at risk of their worst finish since 1977.
Across the channel, Manchester United had a far easier route to the final, demolishing Athletic Club Bilbao 7-1 over two legs. Erik ten Hag’s team now prepares for a high-stakes all-English final between two clubs desperate for success.
Tottenham have beaten United three times already this season — 3-0 and 1-0 in the league, and 4-3 in the League Cup — but the final offers a different challenge under intense pressure. The North London side hasn’t lifted a trophy since the League Cup in 2008, and their last European win came back in 1984.
Postecoglou, whose job remains under scrutiny, previously said he usually wins a trophy in his second season. Whether Europa League success will be enough to protect his position remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, United’s own underwhelming league form has left them just one place above Spurs. The Europa League final now stands as the only opportunity for either club to salvage their season and potentially secure Champions League football next year.
