Tottenham won the Europa League. © APA/afp / JOSEP LAGO

Tottenham's titleless era is over

Tottenham won the Europa League for the first time ever.

21 May 2025

From: dpa/dl

Tottenham prevailed 1-0 in the all-English final against Manchester United at Bilbao's Estadio San Mames on Wednesday, thus salvaging a disappointing domestic season with a European title, unlike the "Red Devils." This also secures a spot in the 2025/26 Champions League.

The only goal in a game with very few chances actually came from an own goal by Luke Shaw, but the 42nd-minute goal was credited to Tottenham's Brennan Johnson, who finished the campaign with five goals. For Tottenham, it was their first European Cup triumph since the 1984 UEFA Cup. Including the domestic title, it was their first title since winning the League Cup in 2008.

Curious goal and defensive football

Man United took the initiative, moved the ball around, and pushed forward, but only posed a real threat twice. On both occasions, Amad Diallo was the most notable player. First, he aimed just wide (16'), then his shot was too weak and went straight to Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario (40'). The goal came against the run of play at the other end, with a good cross being enough for Spurs to take the lead. After a cross from Pape Sarr, Johnson couldn't quite get a shot off, but the ball hit Shaw's hand and from there went into his own net. Andre Onana had no chance of saving this extremely unfortunate move.

Brennan Johnson poked Tottenham to their first title since 2008. © ANSA / JAVIER ZORRILLA

After the restart, Tottenham's defense was screeched, intent solely on maintaining their lead. The Londoners had some luck on their side. Vicario was once again unsure of a cross, but former Sturm Graz striker Rasmus Höjlund's header was acrobatically cleared off the line thanks to a flying save from Micky van de Ven (68'). Bruno Fernandes headed wide (72'), and "sub" Alejandro Garnacho was denied by Tottenham's goalkeeper (74').

In stoppage time, Vicario sealed the victory with a brilliant save from Shaw's header (97th minute). A Casemiro volley also landed in the side netting (98th minute).