Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final in Bilbao, ending their 17-year trophy drought and qualifying for the Champions League next season.
English songs filled San Mamés from the very first minute, but little excitement was generated by either side’s fans in the early stages of the game. Amad Diallo’s powerful shot wide of the goal was the closest to breaking the deadlock, with both teams seemingly reluctant to push too many players into advanced positions.
Frustration was palpable among players in both white and red jerseys as they tentatively searched for the crucial opening goal. The first 30 minutes saw only one shot on target and a noticeable lack of quality befitting a major European final, with Tottenham and United displaying form consistent with their lower Premier League standings.
The big game needed a moment of inspiration, and Pape Matar Sarr provided one at the end of the first half, giving Spurs the lead. A close-range cross from midfield was mis-hit by Brennan Johnson, fortuitously deflecting off Luke Shaw, allowing the Welshman to tap the ball into the net from close range with a slight touch of his boot.
United knew a significant change was needed after the restart to turn the tide, but they showed little urgency. Their star player Bruno Fernandes struggled, and those around him seemed devoid of ideas, with Tottenham content to sit back and play on the counter-attack.
Set-pieces appeared to be United’s most likely route to goal, and they might have equalized from a corner had it not been for an incredible acrobatic save off the line. Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario failed to gather a ball whipped into the box, and Rasmus Højlund headed towards goal, but Micky van de Ven leaped spectacularly to clear the ball away.
Højlund’s header revitalized the Red Devils, and they began to exert sustained pressure on the Spurs goal. Fernandes wasted an excellent opportunity when he headed wide from close range, and substitute Alejandro Garnacho forced Vicario into a brilliant save with one of his first actions.
But the intense onslaught did not last, and United struggled in the final minutes, only testing Vicario with a header from Shaw in the 97th minute. Ultimately, Spurs resisted to claim their first trophy since 2008 and their first European trophy in 41 years, with their victory also securing their place in the Champions League next year.