Tottenham Hotspur ended a 17-year wait for a major trophy and secured a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought victory in Bilbao, while Manchester United’s failure to qualify represents a major financial blow.
Despite the triumph, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou still faces uncertainty about his future after a disappointing domestic season that saw his side finish just below United near the bottom of the Premier League table. The Australian, who defiantly stated he was “not a clown” ahead of the final, delivered on his reputation for winning silverware in his second season at any club.
Wales international Brennan Johnson, who scored the match-winning goal, expressed his elation: “This is what it’s all about. People always said Tottenham couldn’t finish the job but we did.”
Supporters travelled from far and wide to fill Athletic Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium, some taking extreme measures to afford the trip. But the game itself failed to live up to the occasion. It was a scrappy, tense affair between two struggling sides who finished 16th and 17th in the league, filled with errors, frantic defending, and clumsy fouls.
Tottenham had an early chance blocked by Harry Maguire after Johnson beat Luke Shaw down the flank. For United, Amad Diallo showed promise with a dangerous shot and dazzling footwork that left Destiny Udogie trailing.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute through a chaotic sequence. Pape Sarr, who had barely influenced the game until then, swung in a cross that ricocheted off Shaw, hit Johnson again, and trickled over the line past a desperate save attempt from Andre Onana.
In the second half, Spurs looked to defend their narrow lead and hit on the counter. They came close when Yves Bissouma released Dominic Solanke, but the striker failed to control the ball.
Manchester United’s best chance came from a set-piece, when goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misjudged a high ball, leaving Rasmus Hojlund with an open goal. However, Micky van de Ven produced a stunning goal-line clearance to preserve Spurs’ advantage.
Tottenham brought on Son Heung-min to stabilize the attack, replacing a lackluster Richarlison. United introduced Garnacho and Zirkzee in a last-ditch attempt to turn the tide but ultimately suffered their fourth defeat to Spurs this season.
Shaw had a late chance to make amends but saw his header saved by Vicario.
While Manchester United manager-in-waiting Ruben Amorim was backed vocally by fans, he admitted that a win would not have fixed the club’s deep-rooted issues. Ultimately, United finished the season empty-handed and, for the first time since 2014-15, failed to qualify for any European competition.
