Tottenham Beat Man United to Win Europa League: Son, Postecoglou, and Spurs Make History

Tottenham Hotspur have finally ended their 17-year trophy drought by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final, thanks to a first-half goal by Brennan Johnson—deflected in off Luke Shaw—in Bilbao.

It was a nervy second half for Spurs, who held firm under pressure. The moment of the night came from Micky van de Ven, who pulled off a dramatic goal-line clearance to deny Rasmus Hojlund. That single act may one day earn the Dutch defender a statue outside the stadium.

Son Heung-min made history by becoming the first Spurs captain to lift a trophy since Ledley King in 2008. His decade-long loyalty to the club paid off, and many now believe he may surpass Harry Kane as Tottenham’s greatest modern-era player.

This Spurs team has done what Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, and Kane couldn’t—bring silverware back to North London.

For Manchester United, the loss caps off their worst Premier League season ever and means they’ll miss out on European football next term.

Manager Ange Postecoglou, in his 100th game and likely penultimate match in charge, stayed true to his promise of delivering a trophy in his second season. Whether or not he stays, he’s etched his name in Tottenham’s history books and hearts.

Critics may point to Spurs’ inconsistent league form or the lack of flair in the final, but for fans, none of that matters now—Tottenham are Europa League champions.