MANCHESTER, England — Despite enduring lackluster seasons in the Premier League, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur find themselves on the brink of European success as they prepare to clash in the finals of the Europa League. Both teams, despite hovering around the lower half of the English league, have successfully secured a place in the finals of Europe’s secondary club competition, offering them a potential ticket to the prestigious Champions League next season.
Manchester United claimed a 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal’s second leg at Old Trafford, completing a comprehensive 7-1 win on aggregate. Meanwhile, Tottenham secured their spot in the final with a 2-0 win away at Bodø/Glimt, leading to a 5-1 aggregate triumph. The culmination will witness an all-English final for the first time since Chelsea’s victory over Arsenal in 2019.
United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, noted the significance of securing the final win, emphasizing the need to bring joy to their supporters after a disappointing domestic season. “If we don’t win the final, it means nothing for us,” Amorim stated candidly. Meanwhile, Spurs defender Micky van de Ven expressed an overwhelming sense of achievement, acknowledging the season’s difficulties yet cherishing the opportunity for silverware.
Both clubs anticipate a return to elite European competition, an aspiration that seemed distant considering their fluctuating league performances. For much of the season, they veered closer to relegation than to European positions, with United currently in 15th place after setting a dubious record with 16 league losses. Tottenham’s struggles have been even more profound, sitting just below United after 19 league defeats.
The final showdown in Bilbao on May 21 will offer one of these teams a chance at redemption, with Spurs and United facing off for the fourth time this season. Already, Spurs have emerged victorious in their three previous encounters – two in the Premier League and once in the English League Cup.
United’s journey to this final required overcoming a shaky season, having replaced their previous coach with Amorim due to inconsistent performances. Their semifinal victory against Bilbao came after a shaky first half where they trailed due to a goal from Mikel Jauregizar. However, Joel Mount’s introduction in the second half proved pivotal, scoring twice to help United overturn the deficit.
Having seized the FA Cup last year and the League Cup in 2023, a triumph in the Europa League would mark United’s third consecutive trophy-winning season and Amorim’s first notable success with the club since joining. He acknowledged the importance of the final, describing it as “massive”.
Tottenham, managed by Ange Postecoglou, is also on the cusp of fulfilling his consistent second-year title delivery across his previous roles. Despite a challenging season, Spurs are now within reach of a significant triumph. Leading from the first leg against Bodø/Glimt, a team marking a historic European run, Tottenham ensured their progression through second-half goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro.
Meanwhile, on a related note, Chelsea advanced to the UEFA Conference League final, where they will face Real Betis following a decisive aggregate win over Djurgården. Chelsea’s lone goal in the second leg came courtesy of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, setting up their opportunity for continental success. In parallel, Real Betis secured their place by finishing even on the night with Fiorentina but ultimately prevailing on aggregate.