Tottenham Hotspur’s players erupted in celebration at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on Wednesday night as they clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United to win the UEFA Europa League title.
It was Brennan Johnson who delivered the all-important goal, helping Spurs end their 17-year wait for silverware. The last time the London club lifted a major trophy was back in 2008, and their European drought had stretched even further — all the way to 1984.
The game itself wasn’t a classic. With both clubs having endured miserable Premier League seasons — sitting 16th and 17th in the table respectively — the final was more about grit than glamour.
Mistakes and nervy moments filled the match, with both sides struggling to maintain possession or build meaningful attacks.
Despite the poor quality of football, the stakes were huge. While Tottenham secured a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, Manchester United missed out on European football altogether for the first time in a decade.
This loss also dealt a financial blow to United, who had been counting on the Europa League as their last route into continental competition.
The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute. Spurs midfielder Pape Sarr delivered a low cross to the near post where Johnson, after a couple of ricochets involving Luke Shaw and himself, nudged the ball just over the line. Manchester United keeper Andre Onana’s outstretched arm couldn’t prevent the goal.
“This is what it’s all about, this club hasn’t won a trophy for 17 years, honestly, this is what it means, it means so much,” Johnson told TNT Sports after the match. “Ever since I came here it’s been (people saying) ‘Tottenham are a good team, but they never get it done’ — we got it done!”
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, who had fiercely defended his credentials the day before the final, now finds himself vindicated — at least on the European stage. However, questions about his future remain due to the team’s domestic failures.
The second half saw Spurs retreat deeper into their own half, trying to hold onto their lead. They came close to doubling it when Yves Bissouma played a through ball to Dominic Solanke, but the striker’s heavy touch wasted the chance.
Manchester United pushed forward in desperation, but their attacking efforts lacked sharpness. A late header from Shaw, seeking redemption for his earlier error, was kept out by Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.
One of the most crucial moments came when Rasmus Højlund’s header, aimed at an open net, was acrobatically cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven.
Fans from both sides had traveled great distances — some even sleeping in cars — to witness the final. Though the match was not a showcase of top-tier football, the victory meant everything to Tottenham supporters.
