Tottenham Hotspur have won their first trophy in 17 years after defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final, thanks to a first-half goal by Brennan Johnson.
The win in Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium marks a major milestone for head coach Ange Postecoglou, who had promised silverware in his second season at the club.
Postecoglou Delivers on Promise Amid Uncertain Future
Despite ongoing speculation about his future, Postecoglou etched his name into Spurs history, joining legendary managers Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw in winning a European title for the club.
“This may not save his job, but he leaves a hero,” fans chanted, as 15,000 official—and many more unofficial—supporters celebrated in Spain.
The victory also secures Champions League qualification next season and is expected to deliver a £100m financial boost for the North London side.
Johnson’s Goal Secures Historic Win
In a tense match between two underperforming sides, the only goal came in scrappy fashion just before half-time. Pape Matar Sarr floated in a cross which Brennan Johnson got a touch on before it deflected off Luke Shaw and trickled past goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Tottenham had not registered a shot on target until that moment—and would not have another all match—but it proved to be enough.
Manchester United Left Reeling After Another Final Defeat
For Manchester United, it was another night of frustration and questions. Head coach Ruben Amorim now faces intense scrutiny after the club’s worst season since 1973–74, with no European football next year.
Amorim’s decision to start Mason Mount over Alejandro Garnacho failed to produce results, while captain Bruno Fernandes remained quiet throughout the game.
Rasmus Hojlund came close with a header cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven, and Joshua Zirkzee forced a late save from Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario. But United lacked the belief—and quality—to mount a serious comeback.
End of an Era for Manchester United?
Seven minutes of stoppage time brought no miracles, as United fans hoped for a repeat of their historic 1999 heroics. Instead, poor decisions and missed opportunities underscored a season of failure.
Veterans like Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, watching from the stands, were left to reflect on how far the club has fallen.
With no European competition next season, Manchester United will begin their next campaign in the Carabao Cup.
Postecoglou Adds Another Trophy to Global Resume
The win marks Postecoglou’s sixth second-season trophy in club management, following successes with South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic, and the Australian national team.
Spurs also become the latest English club to lift a European trophy, defeating another English side in a European final for the first time since beating Wolves in the 1972 UEFA Cup.