Tottenham Hotspur clinched their first trophy in 17 years with a gritty 1-0 win over Manchester United in the 2025 UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday night in Bilbao, thanks to Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal.
The scrappy victory not only secured European silverware for the first time since 1984 but also ensured Champions League football for Spurs next season—offering some redemption after a dismal domestic campaign.
Despite the triumph, manager Ange Postecoglou’s job remains in question. Spurs finished just below United in the lower half of the Premier League, prompting speculation about his future. But the Australian stood defiant: “I’m not a clown,” he declared pre-match, and celebrated vindication after lifting the trophy.
A Scrappy Goal, But a Historic Win
In a final lacking finesse but full of urgency, Johnson struck in the 42nd minute. Pape Sarr’s near-post cross pinballed off Luke Shaw and Johnson’s boot before dribbling over the line past a helpless Andre Onana.
Spurs held firm in the second half. Guglielmo Vicario made key saves, and Micky van de Ven’s acrobatic goal-line clearance denied Rasmus Hojlund a late equalizer.
Postecoglou’s decision to bench Son Heung-min initially raised eyebrows, but the Korean star helped Spurs weather late pressure after coming on for Richarlison.
United’s Collapse
Manchester United’s defeat ends their season on a historic low. For the first time since 2014–15, they won’t feature in European competition—dealing a major financial and reputational blow.
Fans chanted the name of likely incoming manager Ruben Amorim, signaling waning faith in current leadership amid the club’s worst league performance in over 50 years.
Brennan Johnson: “We Got It Done!”
“This is what it’s all about,” said match-winner Johnson. “Ever since I came here, it’s been, ‘Tottenham are a good team, but they never get it done’ — we got it done!”
Europa League Winners – Last 10 Years:
2025: Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)
2024: Atalanta (ITA)
2023: Sevilla (ESP)
2022: Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)
2021: Villarreal (ESP)
2020: Sevilla (ESP)
2019: Chelsea (ENG)
2018: Atletico Madrid (ESP)
2017: Manchester United (ENG)
2016: Sevilla (ESP)
Tottenham now join a select group of clubs with three Europa League titles, alongside Inter, Juventus, Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid—still far behind record-holders Sevilla with seven.
