In a dramatic and emotionally charged UEFA Europa League 2025 final, Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1–0 to lift their first major European trophy since 1984. The final, played at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, was a tense affair filled with close chances, solid defending, and passionate fan support from both sides.
Match Summary
The game’s only goal came in the 42nd minute when Brennan Johnson scored after a quick break. His shot deflected off Luke Shaw, wrong-footing United goalkeeper André Onana, and rolled into the net. That one moment of brilliance was enough to decide the fate of the trophy.
While Manchester United controlled possession and had more shots on target, they failed to break through Tottenham’s organized defense. Several chances were wasted by attackers like Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford, and their frustration was visible by the final whistle.
Starting Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
- GK: André Onana
- DEF: Diogo Dalot, Raphaël Varane, Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw
- MID: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount
- ATT: Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund
Substitutes Used: Scott McTominay, Antony, Jadon Sancho
Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3):
- GK: Guglielmo Vicario
- DEF: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
- MID: Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison
- ATT: Heung-Min Son, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison
Substitutes Used: Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, Oliver Skipp
Key Performances
- Brennan Johnson (Tottenham): Scored the only goal of the match. His pace and pressing troubled United’s defense throughout the game.
- Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham GK): Made 5 crucial saves, including a one-on-one against Rashford. His performance was vital in securing the clean sheet.
- Micky van de Ven (Tottenham DEF): Rock-solid in defense. Cleared several dangerous balls and made key tackles.
- Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd): Tried to create chances from midfield but lacked support in the final third. His efforts couldn’t break through Spurs’ backline.
Manager Reactions
Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham Manager):
“This is a proud moment for everyone involved with the club. These boys showed incredible heart, discipline, and togetherness. We’ve been building something special, and tonight we made history.”
Ruben Amorim (Manchester United Manager):
“We are obviously disappointed. We created enough chances to win the game, but the finishing let us down. Credit to Tottenham—they defended very well. We have to reflect and come back stronger.”
Match Stats
- Possession: Man Utd 60% – 40% Spurs
- Shots on Target: Man Utd 6 – 4 Spurs
- Corners: Man Utd 8 – 3 Spurs
- Fouls: Man Utd 13 – 11 Spurs
- Yellow Cards: Dalot, Casemiro (Man Utd); Romero, Bissouma (Spurs)
Trophy Celebration and Road to UCL
For Tottenham Hotspur, this victory is more than just silverware it’s a symbol of revival. The last time they lifted a major trophy was in 2008 (League Cup), and their last European title dates back to 1984. This win also secures their place in the UEFA Champions League 2025–26 season, a crucial step for the club’s ambitions.
For Manchester United, the result adds to a frustrating season. They now face a tough summer ahead, with questions around squad rebuilding, attacking consistency, and the manager’s tactical direction.
Tottenham will now set their sights on competing among Europe’s elite in the Champions League. Their strong core of young talents, combined with experience from players like Son and Maddison, makes them a team to watch.
Manchester United, on the other hand, will need a serious evaluation. Missing out on a trophy and failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League could trigger changes in both personnel and approach.
