WafricNews – May 22, 2025

San Mamés, Bilbao – Tottenham Hotspur clinched their first European title in over 40 years with a gritty 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday night. Brennan Johnson's decisive goal just before the break handed Spurs not only the silverware but also a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The historic win marks Tottenham’s first major trophy since their League Cup triumph in 2008 and their first continental success since lifting the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) in 1984. For head coach Ange Postecoglou, the result brings long-awaited redemption after a turbulent domestic campaign that saw the North London side languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table.

The final, played in front of a lively crowd of nearly 50,000 at Athletic Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium, was tightly contested with few clear chances. The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when Pape Sarr’s cross deflected off Luke Shaw and dropped fortuitously to Brennan Johnson, who managed to prod the ball over the line.

Manchester United, under increasing scrutiny with Ruben Amorim at the helm, failed to recover. Rasmus Højlund came closest to equalizing in the 68th minute, only to see his header dramatically cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven. In the dying moments, Luke Shaw’s powerful header forced a crucial save from Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario.

For United, the defeat adds to a disappointing season that sees them sitting just above Spurs in 16th place in the league — with no European competition on the horizon next term. The Red Devils, who last lifted silverware in the 2024 FA Cup, continue to search for continental glory not seen since their 2017 Europa League win under Jose Mourinho.

The match also ended a personal drought for Tottenham’s talisman Son Heung-min, who came on as a late substitute to finally lift a trophy in his 10th year at the club.

This victory also marks Tottenham’s first-ever win over United in a cup final, reversing the result of their 2009 League Cup showdown which ended in a penalty shootout loss. It also extends Spurs' current unbeaten streak against United to seven matches – a remarkable reversal of fortunes between the two sides.

With European silverware finally returning to North London, Spurs fans will be hoping this marks the beginning of a new era of success — and not just a rare high point in a turbulent season.


By WafricNews Sport Desk.