Wafric News – May 9, 2025

Europe Desk - A turbulent season may yet end in triumph for either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur, as the two English giants booked their places in the 2025 UEFA Europa League final, setting up a high-stakes clash in Bilbao on May 21.

Tottenham sealed their spot with a disciplined 2-0 win over Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory in gale-force conditions just north of the Arctic Circle. Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro gave the north London club their first European final appearance since 2019.

Earlier in the week, Manchester United dismantled Athletic Bilbao 7-1 over two legs, storming into the final with a performance that belied their struggles in the domestic league.

For Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, the Europa League has become both a lifeline and a burden. With Spurs languishing near the relegation zone in the Premier League, silverware in Europe could serve as both a redemption arc and a potential shield against mounting pressure on his job.

“We always win something in the second season,” Postecoglou boasted earlier this campaign. Now, he’s just 90 minutes from backing those words with silverware. But whether it will be enough to secure his future at the club remains unclear.

Tottenham’s recent history in finals has been grim—losing their last four, including the 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool. Their last taste of silverware came in 2008. Lifting a European trophy would not only end that drought but also guarantee Champions League qualification, regardless of their Premier League finish.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are barely faring better in the league, sitting just above Spurs. But a dominant display in the semi-finals and a return to continental form may provide a much-needed spark for Erik ten Hag’s embattled side.

Thursday’s semi-final marked a historic milestone for Bodo/Glimt—the first Norwegian club to reach this stage in a major European competition. Hailing from a fishing town of 50,000 residents, their fairytale run saw them eliminate clubs like Lazio, Porto, and Olympiakos.

Even members of the Norwegian royal family were present at the intimate Aspmyra Stadion to witness the momentous occasion. But despite their spirited effort and biting weather, the fairytale ended there.

Tottenham’s game plan was pragmatic. With the wind howling and rain relentless on the artificial turf, Spurs slowed the tempo, defended deep, and took their chances clinically. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was booked for time-wasting as Spurs leaned into a cautious but effective strategy.

Cristian Romero's towering header in the 63rd minute set up Solanke’s close-range finish, and six minutes later, Pedro Porro’s looping cross found the net as Bodo's defense stood frozen. The game was effectively over, and with it, Bodo/Glimt's extraordinary run.

Tottenham have already beaten United three times this season across all competitions. But form often counts for little in finals, especially when two proud clubs are desperate to save face after disappointing domestic campaigns.

The Europa League final in Bilbao is more than just a trophy match—it’s a battle for relevance, redemption, and possibly, managerial survival.


By WafricNews Desk.