Spurs end 17 year trophy doubt in Bilbao with Europa League triumph over Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur lifting the EUFA Europa League Trophy. (Image: Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur have finally ended their 17-year wait for silverware, lifting the Europa League trophy after a hard-fought 1-0 win against Manchester United in Bilbao.

Brennan Johnson was the hero, scoring the only goal of the game late in the first half to not only secure European glory but also seal a return to the Champions League next season. The Welshman's scrappy strike came after he pounced on a loose ball following a Pape Matar Sarr cross that caused chaos in the United box.

Spurs fans, around 15,000 of them officially inside San Mamés and many more outside, erupted with joy as Ange Postecoglou delivered on his promise to bring silverware in his second season. Despite speculation that the Aussie manager may not remain at the helm next season, he leaves his mark by joining the legendary Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw as Tottenham bosses who have delivered European titles.

The win caps a remarkable campaign not just for Spurs, but for clubs outside the traditional winners’ circle, with the likes of Crystal Palace and Newcastle also celebrating silverware this season. Tottenham’s success also brings a major financial boost, with the club set to pocket around £100 million from Champions League qualification.

For Manchester United, it was a night to forget. The defeat rounds off what has been their worst league season since the 1973-74 relegation campaign. Head coach Ruben Amorim faces mounting pressure, especially after a selection gamble that saw Mason Mount start over Alejandro Garnacho fail to pay off.

United had their chances. A Rasmus Hojlund header was cleared heroically off the line by Micky van de Ven, and late saves from Vicario kept them at bay, but they lacked the belief and quality to turn the tide. Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee all had late efforts, but none could beat Vicario in the dying moments.

The final whistle marked Postecoglou’s 100th game in charge and what a way to mark it. Known for delivering in his second seasons, the Aussie has done it yet again, adding to his honours in Australia, Japan, and Scotland with a European trophy in England.

Spurs hadn’t managed a shot on target until Johnson’s goal and didn’t have another after it, but it didn’t matter. This was a night about grit, history, and finally ending the long wait for glory.

While Manchester United will miss out on European football for just the second time since English clubs were reinstated by UEFA in 1990, Spurs fans will now dream of bigger nights ahead, this time back in the Champions League.

From despair to delight, Tottenham Hotspur are Europa League champions.

Your man of the match?

• Cristian Romero
• Richarlison
• Micky van de Ven