Tottenham 1–0 Manchester United: Spurs Win Europa League Final and End 17-Year Trophy Drought

Tottenham win their first European trophy since 1984 & First trophy in 17 years.

Starting Lineups

Tottenham:

Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie (Spence 90’), Bentancur, Bissouma, Johnson (Danso 78’), Sarr (90’), Richarlison (Son 67’), Solanke

Manchester United:

Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Mazraoui (Dalot 85’), Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu (Mainoo 90’), Amad Diallo, Mount (Garnacho 71’), Højlund (Zirkzee 71’)

A Final With Everything at Stake

A final with everything on the line - Champions League qualification, silverware, and redemption.

Tottenham versus Manchester United in the Europa League final — a spectacle with so much on the line for both clubs. With both teams having dreadful domestic league campaigns, this was a chance to paper over the cracks and secure a trophy, as well as Champions League qualification for next season.

With Spurs’ squad well rested in recent games, they put out a strong starting XI. United were boosted by the early return of Leny Yoro, and were able to bring Joshua Zirkzee — a doubt before the match — on in the 71st minute.

A Tactical Surprise from Postecoglou

The match was a cagey affair, led by an unfamiliarly pragmatic approach from Ange Postecoglou’s men. Spurs had just 27% possession and only three shots across the 90 minutes — the lowest figures recorded by Opta for any team in a European Cup final since 2010.

Spurs stunned United with quick counter - Johnson tapped in from close range.

But their one big shot mattered. In the 41st minute, Bruno Fernandes lost the ball in midfield, and Spurs launched a quick counter-attack. A deflected cross from Pape Matar Sarr bounced off Luke Shaw, and Brennan Johnson was there to tap it in — scrappy, but it gave Spurs the lead.

United Press, Spurs Hold On

After taking the lead, Spurs sat deep and defended. They frustrated United for the rest of the game and limited them to crosses and set-pieces.

United had moments:

• Højlund’s header was cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven in the 67th minute.

• Bruno Fernandes narrowly missed with a header in the 71st.

• Luke Shaw forced a sensational save from Vicario late on.

United pushed late, but Spurs defensive wall - and Vicario - held strong.

Despite these chances, United couldn’t find a breakthrough. Ange Postecoglou brought on Kevin Danso in the 78th minute, moving Spurs into a deep back five — a style more reminiscent of Mourinho or Conte than the Aussie.

But it worked. Spurs held firm and secured a 1–0 victory — their first trophy in 17 years and first European silverware since 1984.

Fallout: Redemption and Uncertainty

So, what next for the two clubs?

Manchester United are in disarray — 16th in the league, no European football next season, and mounting pressure on Ruben Amorim. In his post-match press conference, Amorim said:

“If the board or fans feel that I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation.”

From pressure to more pressure, Ruben Amorim heartbroken after Europa League final loss.

His future at the club is clearly under review.

Tottenham, on the other hand, finally have a moment to celebrate. Ange Postecoglou has delivered a long-awaited trophy. The fans will no doubt forgive the poor domestic campaign in exchange for this historic win.

“I always win things in my second year — nothing has changed,” said the Spurs boss back in September.

A night to remember in Bilbao - Spurs are European champions once again.

And now? He’s delivered — and written himself into Tottenham folklore.