Tottenham Hotspur lifted their first trophy in 17 years with a scrappy yet historic 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Brennan Johnson’s decisive first-half goal sealed the victory at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium, ensuring silverware returned to North London for the first time since 2008.
The match itself was far from a classic, fittingly tight and untidy between two underwhelming Premier League sides, Spurs and United having finished the domestic season 16th and 17th respectively.
But for Tottenham, the aesthetics mattered little. Johnson’s goal, their first in a cup final since 2008, was enough to etch their name back into Europe’s elite.
The breakthrough came amidst confusion in the United box. Pape Matar Sarr whipped in a cross that saw Johnson and Luke Shaw collide in a tangle.
The ball ricocheted off Shaw’s arm and trickled goalward, with Johnson applying the faintest of touches at the near post. The eruption from Spurs supporters painted San Mamés in a sea of white celebration.
The goal marked a rare moment of efficiency for Tottenham in recent finals.
They had failed to score in their previous four major final appearances, including three Carabao Cup finals (2009, 2015, 2021) and the 2019 Champions League final.
Manchester United, however, dominated much of the second half in search of an equaliser.
They carved out three clear opportunities past the hour mark, but found Spurs’ defense unyielding. Bruno Fernandes’ clever free-kick was met by Leny Yoro, only for Guglielmo Vicario to pull off a crucial save.
Minutes later, Rasmus Højlund’s header looked destined for the net before Micky van de Ven produced a stunning goal-line clearance.
For Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, the result vindicated his pre-season confidence.
The Australian had boldly claimed he always wins trophies in his second season and now, he has. Whether this triumph secures his long-term future at the club remains uncertain, but qualification for next season’s Champions League now offers Spurs a platform to build on.
Meanwhile, questions continue to swirl around Manchester United’s direction under Erik ten Hag, with links to other managerial candidates, including Ruben Amorim, growing stronger.
For Spurs fans, the long wait is finally over. After years of near-misses and heartbreak, their club has delivered when it mattered most. The victory in Bilbao not only ends a nearly two-decade drought but signals a potential turning point for a side seeking to reestablish themselves among Europe’s elite.
Whether this marks the beginning of a new era or a fleeting moment of glory, Tottenham have reminded the football world and themselves what it feels like to win again.
