Tottenham Hotspur have claimed their first major trophy in 17 years after beating Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final, with Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half goal securing the win and a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League.
The win marks a dramatic turnaround for Ange Postecoglou’s side, who are currently languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table in 17th. The victory not only salvages their season but is also set to deliver an estimated £100 million windfall from Champions League qualification.
Match Summary
- Goal: Brennan Johnson (42′)
- Venue: San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao
- Man of the Match: Guglielmo Vicario (Spurs)
Johnson struck in the 42nd minute, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble to fire Spurs ahead. The London side then held firm, with Micky van de Ven making a crucial second-half goal-line clearance and Vicario producing a heroic stoppage-time save to deny United an equaliser.
Postecoglou Delivers in Second Season
Head coach Ange Postecoglou, who previously said he “always wins in his second year,” fulfilled his prediction, lifting a European trophy for the first time since Spurs won the UEFA Cup in 1984. Their last domestic silverware came via the 2008 Carling Cup.
“Nothing’s changed,” Postecoglou said. “I don’t say things unless I believe them.”
Johnson: ‘We Got It Done’
Speaking to TNT Sports, match-winner Brennan Johnson said:
“This season hasn’t been good, but not one of us players cares right now. Tottenham are always told they can’t get it done — we got it done tonight.”
United’s European Nightmare
For Manchester United, the defeat ends their European campaign and confirms they will miss out on continental football altogether for the first time since the 2014–15 season.
Despite reaching the final unbeaten, manager Ruben Amorim now faces an even tougher rebuilding job after what has been United’s worst top-flight season in 51 years, with the club sitting 16th in the league.
Looking Ahead
Tottenham’s Europa League triumph not only delivers silverware but secures a financial and reputational boost heading into 2025–26. Postecoglou will now shift focus to rebuilding league form after restoring faith among fans with European glory.
Meanwhile, pressure will intensify at Old Trafford as United prepare for a season without European competition — and questions mount over Amorim’s future.
