Tottenham Hotspur ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy as Brennan Johnson’s decisive first-half goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final at the San Mames Stadium on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The triumph also secures Spurs qualification for next season’s Champions League.
The match’s solitary goal arrived as the first half drew to a close. A cross from Pape Matar Sarr found Brennan Johnson, whose initial touch in a challenge with Luke Shaw led to a goalmouth scramble. As Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana attempted to intervene, Johnson managed to force the ball over the line. It was Tottenham’s only shot on target in a final characterized by tension and few clear opportunities.
Despite the somewhat untidy nature of the goal, it proved sufficient for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Tottenham’s defence produced crucial interventions, notably an acrobatic goal-line clearance from Micky van de Ven to deny a Rasmus Hojlund header midway through the second half. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also made critical late saves, including one from a Luke Shaw header.
The victory is a significant achievement for head coach Ange Postecoglou, who delivered on a promise of silverware in his second season, his 100th game in charge. He joins Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw as managers who have won European trophies with the North London club. This success, which brings a reported £100 million windfall from Champions League qualification, comes amidst speculation about Postecoglou’s future at the club. Tottenham’s win also marks the second time they have beaten an English opponent in a European final, following their 1972 UEFA Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
For Manchester United, the defeat culminates a profoundly disappointing season, their worst since the 1973-74 campaign which ended in relegation. Ruben Amorim’s side will now be without European football next season for only the second time since English clubs were readmitted by UEFA in 1990. United struggled to create clear chances, with captain Bruno Fernandes having a subdued game. Amorim’s selection of Mason Mount ahead of Alejandro Garnacho in an attacking role failed to yield the desired impact. Late efforts, including a wayward shot from Leny Yoro and a saved header from substitute Joshua Zirkzee, underscored their lack of attacking penetration.
The result leaves Manchester United to face their final Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday with significant questions surrounding the team’s competitiveness and the manager’s tenure, despite reported backing from the club’s ownership. Tottenham, meanwhile, celebrate a return to glory and a place among Europe’s elite.
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