Tottenham Hotspur ended their 17-year wait for silverware with a gritty 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final, sealing their first major trophy since the League Cup in 2008.
Brennan Johnson struck the decisive blow in the 42nd minute, capitalising on a misjudged clearance by Luke Shaw to fire Spurs into the lead. From that moment on, it was a backs-to-the-wall display from Ange Postecoglou’s men, who defended with remarkable discipline and resilience.
The defining moment of the second half came when Micky van de Ven produced a heroic goal-line clearance, soaring above the crowd to deny Rasmus Højlund’s bullet header that looked destined to level the score.
Son Heung-min, who wore the armband with pride, becomes the first Spurs captain to lift a trophy since Ledley King. The South Korean forward will now lead his side into next season’s Champions League campaign—an added bonus for a club desperate to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite.
For Manchester United, however, the final marked a sobering end to a dismal season. Having already recorded their worst-ever Premier League finish, Erik ten Hag’s side will now go without European football altogether next term—a bitter blow for a club of its stature.
The result also casts further doubt over Ten Hag’s future, with growing pressure from both supporters and the club’s hierarchy amid calls for major changes at Old Trafford.
But for Spurs, the night belonged to them—a night of redemption, resilience, and long-awaited glory.