Spurs beat Man United for Europa League title to end long trophy drought
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Brennan Johnson's lone goal seals historic Europa League win for Tottenham, ending 17 years of heartbreak.
Tottenham Hotspur secured a historic 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Wednesday to win the UEFA Europa League, lifting their first European trophy in 41 years and ending a painful 17-year wait for major silverware.
Brennan Johnson scored the lone goal in the final moments of the first half at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, sealing a season-saving triumph for Spurs and marking their first European success since winning the UEFA Cup in 1984. The win also guarantees them a coveted place in next season’s Champions League.
“This is what it’s all about,” said an emotional Johnson. “This club hasn’t won a trophy in 17 years. People always say Tottenham are a good team but never get it done. Well, tonight, we got it done.”
The victory ends a long title drought for Spurs, whose last major trophy came in 2008 with the English League Cup. The result was even more significant considering their turbulent Premier League campaign, where they currently sit near the bottom of the table.
Manager Ange Postecoglou, who faced heavy scrutiny throughout the season, praised his squad’s resilience. “It’s been a tough ride, but this group never gave up,” he said. “They deserve this moment.”
Spurs’ Europa League run was impressive: 10 wins, three draws, and only two defeats. Their 98th win in UEFA Cup/Europa League competition now places them as the all-time leaders in victories, surpassing Roma’s 97.
Manchester United, meanwhile, finds itself in crisis. The loss not only denies them a European trophy but also means they’ll miss out on European football entirely next season. Coach Ruben Amorim, under increasing pressure as United languish in 16th place in the league, remained tight-lipped about his future.
“I’m not going to talk about what’s next,” Amorim said post-match. “Tonight is about dealing with the pain. We were the better team at times, and the players gave everything.”
United had chances to equalize, most notably in the 68th minute when Rasmus Hojlund’s header was miraculously cleared off the line by Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven. Deep into stoppage time, Luke Shaw’s powerful header required a brilliant save from Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
“I still can’t believe it,” Vicario said. “We’ve written history tonight. Everyone gave everything, and we finally did it. This will stay with us forever.”
The match itself was tightly contested, with limited chances for both sides. Tottenham’s breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when Pape Sarr’s cross ricocheted off Luke Shaw and landed in front of Johnson, who poked the ball past United keeper André Onana.
“I didn’t hit it cleanly,” Johnson admitted. “I just looked up and saw it slowly crossing the line. That moment was surreal.”
United pushed forward in the second half but couldn’t break through a determined Spurs defense. Despite heavy support from traveling fans—an estimated 50,000 English supporters had gathered across Bilbao and the Basque region—the Red Devils fell short.
While the atmosphere remained mostly peaceful throughout the day, reports emerged of minor confrontations between groups of fans the night before the match.
Manchester United last lifted a European trophy in 2017, winning the Europa League under Jose Mourinho. They also lost the 2021 final to Villarreal. The club’s only silverware in recent years was the 2024 FA Cup.
The defeat continues a bleak trend against Tottenham, with United now winless in seven consecutive matches against Spurs — including four losses this season alone.
This final marked just the second time the two clubs have faced off in a cup final, the first being the 2009 League Cup, which United won on penalties.
For Tottenham captain Son Heung-min, who came on in the 67th minute, the night held personal significance. He finally lifted a major trophy after years of coming close and proudly hoisted the cup on behalf of his team.
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