TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tottenham Hotspur emerged as the winner of the Europa League this season after defeating Manchester United with a score of 1-0 in the final held at Mames Stadium, Bilbao, Spain, in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2025 (WIB).
A sole goal by Brennan Johnson in the 42nd minute determined Tottenham's victory. Positioned inside the penalty box, he took advantage of goalkeeper Andre Onana's and Manchester United defenders Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu's negligence to slot the ball into the net from close range.
Despite Manchester United's dominance in ball possession, reaching over 70 percent, and having more goal-scoring opportunities, they failed to capitalize on them. Under Ruben Amorim's guidance, the team was unable to net an equalizer, even though they managed to pressure Tottenham in the second half.
This outcome also reaffirmed Tottenham's superiority over Manchester United this season, with Ange Postecoglou's squad clinching victory in all four of their encounters in various competitions, including the final.
With this success in the Europa League, Tottenham earned the right to compete in the Champions League next season, despite finishing at the bottom of the Premier League standings this season.
Conversely, Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, who also performed poorly in the domestic league, finishing at the bottom of the Premier League, failed to salvage their season following this final defeat.
Tottenham secured their third Europa League title after previous wins in 1972 and 1984. Meanwhile, Manchester United was unable to bring home the same trophy to Old Trafford, having previously been champions of this competition in 2017.
Match Recap
Manchester United started off aggressively in the game, with Bruno Fernandes and his teammates dominating ball possession. However, they struggled to breach Tottenham's solid defense, as several attempts were blocked.
On the other hand, Tottenham continued to pose threats through Richarlison and Pape Sarr's movements, despite being inferior in ball possession.
In the 16th minute, Amad Diallo took a shot after receiving a corner kick from Harry Maguire. Positioned on the right side of the penalty box, Diallo kicked the ball, but it missed the target.
Five minutes later, Bruno Fernandes attempted a shot after receiving a pass from Diallo. However, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario thwarted Fernandes' shot from the right side of the penalty box.
In the 40th minute, Diallo threatened again, but Vicario once again denied his attempt from outside the penalty box.
Three minutes before halftime, Manchester United conceded a goal. Brennan Johnson, positioned between Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, kicked the ball in front of the goal, which deflected off Luke Shaw's body and dropped into the net, catching goalkeeper Andre Onana off guard. Bruno Fernandes attempted a shot from Casemiro's cross from the right side of the penalty box, but it was blocked by a Tottenham player. Manchester United trailed 0-1 at halftime.
Entering the second half, the Red Devils continued to attack. Rasmus Hojlund had a chance in the 48th minute, but his header from Amad Diallo's cross went wide.
In the 58th minute, Leny Yoro threatened with a right-footed shot after receiving a cross from Bruno Fernandes. However, Vicario managed to fend off his shot from the right side of the penalty box.
Hojlund came close to scoring in the 68th minute. He headed the rebound from Vicario, but the ball, which was heading towards the goal, was blocked by Micky van de Ven's volley.
Shortly after, Alejandro Garnacho, who replaced Hojlund in the 71st minute, created an opportunity with a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty box that aimed for the bottom left corner. However, this attempt was denied by the Tottenham goalkeeper.
In the remaining minutes of the game, Manchester United continued to press forward. Bruno Fernandes and his teammates relentlessly launched attacks, almost overwhelming their opponents. However, resilient defense prevented Tottenham's goal from being breached.
Even the final corner kick in the eighth minute of added time failed to be capitalized by Manchester United. Casemiro managed to execute a bicycle kick, but the ball missed the target.
Tottenham, maintaining their lead, emerged victorious. Ange Postecoglou successfully guided his team to secure the Europa League title for the third time, following their previous triumph in 1984.
This achievement also ensured Tottenham's participation in the next season's Champions League, despite their bottom finish in the Premier League standings this season. Conversely, Manchester United failed to salvage their slumping season, ending trophyless and at the bottom of the Premier League. With this defeat, Ruben Amorim's hope of leading his team to the highest level of European Championship next season vanished.
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