Europa League

TOTTENHAM have defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final in Bilbao!Spurs may have endured a woeful season in the league – but they’ve ended it with Champions League qualification after winning the final.Brennan Johnson bundled the ball home to score the only goal of the game as Tottenham fans went wild in the San Mames Stadium.GET A £50 WELCOME BONUS WITH SUN VEGASFollow ALL the action from the Europa League final with our live blog below…Massive moment for big starsHaving left clubs to join this Spurs’ project, they may have had moments wondering if they would see some silverware.Moments like this are just why they made that decision.All the low points seem worth it as they enjoy a truly special moment with their teammates and fans.Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedGaffer sticks to his planSpeaking with TNT Sports, the Man Utd manager was asked for his views and whether he is concerned about his future:Especially in the second-half, we were in control of the situation. In the first-half we suffered a goal but we had plenty of chances to score. This moment is to give space to winners and try and deal with this feeling. I am confident I am still the guy, I know it is going be tough and the patience of the fans is going to be short. I am not going to give up on this challenge. If they say [the board] I have to go, I will leave without compensation in a day.Ruben AmorimMan UtdCopy linkCopiedNew look, same loveThere is no doubting that Tottenham have a special place in the heart of the former player.On media duties for TNT Sports, Gareth Bale could not hide his excitement with this win.Once a Spur, always a Spur.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedSomething to remember for bossHe has had to field some difficult scrutinty from the media all season as things failed to go to plan.But, for Ange Postecoglou, everything grilling must seem a distant memory now.The former Celtic boss was brought in to bring the good times back to North London and he has certainly delivered.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLegend gets his reward for commitmentHis performances over the years have attracted many of the biggest clubs in Europe to look at him.Son Heung-Min had the captain’s armband on as he finally got his hands on some silverware.It all seems worth it now as he embraces his family in a moment he will never forget.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWe could be heroes, just for one dayThey dealt with the pressure and got the job done.Many wondered whether Spurs could lift the trophy or fall at the final hurdle like many teams before.This should act like a springboard for these players and give them belief they can go on to bigger things.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedAmorim bombshellMan Utd boss Ruben Amorim gave a strong answer when asked about next season.He said: “I will not quit. “I am confident in my job and I will not change anything.”If the board or fans feel that I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation.”Copy linkCopied’What I’ve always dreamed of’Club captain Son Heung-min was all smiles as he appeared on TNT Sports and said: “”Let’s say I’m a legend. why not? Only today!”17 years nobody has done it, so today let’s say with amazing players probably a legend of the club.”This is what I’ve always dreamed for. Today is the day it happened. I am the happiest man in the world.”When you look at the whole season there will always be some situation you have a tough time but we as players always stuck together.”I felt the pressure. I wanted it so badly. The last seven days I was dreaming about this game every night. It finally happened and I can sleep easy now!”We can celebrate today so let’s just make it one we will never forget and maybe I will miss the flight tomorrow!”Copy linkCopiedHey Mickey you’re so fineWith Tottenham having a slender lead in the game, a superb acrobatic clearance from van de Ven saw him deny Man Utd an equaliser.After Vicario’s error, the Dutchman did brilliantly to hook it off the goal line.If he wasn’t one before, the defender will be a hero with fans forever after ensuring they scooped the trophy tonight in Bilbao.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopied’We’re still building’Ange made it pretty clear that he wants to remain in north London next season.”We’re still building. “When I joined all I wanted to do was deliver a trophy and I’ve done that.”But I don’t feel like the job is complete.”Copy linkCopiedEverything fans had dreamt ofPerformances mean nothing in moments like this, getting results are all that counts.These Tottenham fans will not be leaving this stadium anytime soon.It has been a long wait but they have ended their 17-year trophy doubt.Scenes.Copy linkCopiedAnge sends message to criticsSpeaking with TNT Sports, the Spurs’ manager gave his views after this massive moment:Look I am still taking it all in. I know what it means for this football club. Unfortunately the longer it goes on, it is harder to break that cycle. There are supporters who have been following us for those 41 years and not seen it. I felt we were going to be hard to break down. I just had this thing inside me, I know our league form has been terrible, I knew only us winning something would change our mentality.Ange PostecoglouTottenhamCopy linkCopied’Disaster’Man Utd icon Rio Ferdinand told TNT Sports: “A disaster of a season ending on a bad note, but I don’t think Man Utd did enough to deserve it.”There was no real cutting edge in the Man Utd team. All that sustained pressure, the goalkeeper [Guglielmo Vicario] made one save in the whole game – you can’t expect to win a trophy when you’re a bit reserved.”He added: Getting those defenders back was critical for [Tottenham].”Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven wanted to defend that penalty area.”They were not bothered about Harry Maguire being up – they enjoyed the battle.”They defended for their lives and they got what they needed.”Copy linkCopiedReality dawns for forwardBrennan Johnson seems to be pondering on what he has just done for Tottenham in Spain.His goal has secured Spurs a trophy in Bilbao.It is the kind of thing every footballer dreams of as a child and now he is living his dream for all to see.Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedLong time comingSpurs legend Gareth Bale told TNT Sports: “Amazing for the club. “It has been a long time coming. Delighted for the club and all the fans.”Now Ange goes down as a legendary manager to win a European cup.”Copy linkCopiedAussie sticks to his wordAt the start of the season, Ange Postecoglou told the media that he always wins a trophy in his second season managing clubs.Many scoffed at him and expected him to fall short.He has silenced his doubters, kept his promise and given the fans a night to remember in Bilbao.Credit: APCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedTottenham become European championsAs the players celebrate, you can see just how much it means.It has been a tough season in North London but now they are heros.Lifting the Europa League trophy will be a massive confidence boost for the team when they needed it most.Credit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedTrophy time!It’s taken 17 years for Tottenham to see this sight… but there is club captain Son Hueng-min lifting a trophy!Copy linkCopiedClose but no cigar for Red DevilsThe looks of dejection are there for all to see as the Man Utd players walk up to collect their runners-up medals.Some have been used to winning things with former clubs but that seems a distant memory now.This one will hurt Man Utd’s players and fans for some time.Credit: APCredit: APCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge in BilbaoSo after all the talk of El Crapico we got…. that.Certainly not a Clasico, with little class on show.You can’t take anything away from Spurs, they sat deep, did what they had to do and will be wondering why it’s taken 17 years to win a trophy when it was that easy tonight.Fair play to Ange for ditching Ange Ball. It must take a lot of humility to ditch a tactic named after you. But it worked.And whatever Amorim had told his players to do, didn’t.They only really raised the tempo in the dying minutes, with Vicario only making his first save after 75 minutes.No one should be surprised United served up such dross, it’s what they’ve been best at all season.As for Spurs, dare I say it but, bar Vicario’s attempts to let United back in, that was an unSpursy second half.Congratulations to them, and if this is the end of Ange’s time in charge, what a way to go out.Copy linkCopiedMore from JohnsonThe goalscorer, draped in a Wales flag at the end of the match, added: “[The final few minutes were] horrible. I couldn’t watch. “I was listening to what the boys were saying, asking how long was left.”When we defended that corner at the end, I kind of knew. The relief is nothing I can describe.”Tottenham Hotspur finishing 17th in the Premier League isn’t good enough, but we’ve had an unbelievable Europa run and the fans have been so good.”I thought they had the edge on the United fans, to be honest… it got us through the game.”He [Postecoglou] has done his job. If there’s ever a time for a mic drop, it’s now so I’ll be looking forward to his interview.”I can’t thank the manager enough for how much trust he’s had in us… especially in the Europa League, he had a great way of getting everyone up for it and it shows.”Copy linkCopied’It means so much’Matchwinner Brennan Johnson was absolutely BUZZING when he was interviewed by TNT Sports.He said: “I’m so happy right now. This season hasn’t been good, but not one of us players cares right now.”This is what it’s all about… it means so much. “All the fans get battered, we get battered for not winning a trophy, but to get the first one in a while today, I’m so happy.”Ever since I came here, it’s been ‘Tottenham are a good team but never get it done’. We got it done.”I knew I touched it [for the goal] and then I looked up and the ball was trickling into the goal. “I can’t describe the feeling.”Copy linkCopiedWhy does it always rain on me?Ruben Amorim looks a devastated man after this defeat.After a woeful season, it was more of the same in the final tonight.Things are not going to plan for the former Sporting Lisbon manager.Credit: AlamyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWelshman scoops trophy for SpursBrennan Johnson will never forget this evening.His goal has secured the Europa League for Ange Postecoglou.This is the moment he and all his teammates have been dreaming of.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTottenham etch their names in historyFor all the critics they have this season, winning a European trophy is a big moment for any club.These players will be remembered in the club’s history after their triumph in Bilbao.The party will continue long into the night for everyone associated to the North London outfit.Credit: AFPCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopied More

MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have one last chance to end their torrid campaigns with glory as they face off in TONIGHT’S mouthwatering Europa League final!Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim is on course to record United’s lowest-ever Premier League finish during his debut season at the helm – currently 16th following a recent 1-0 loss to Chelsea.But, despite that, Amorim incredibly has the chance to secure United their first bit of European silverware since 2017.However, under-fire Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou promised that he always ‘delivers a trophy in his second season’ and will be desperate to end Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought.With Champions League qualification for next season also up for grabs, this has all the ingredients to be a classic affair.Kick-off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: Discovery+Man Utd starting team: To followTottenham starting team: To followGET EITHER SIDE TO WIN THE EUROPA LEAGUE AT 40/1 WITH PARIMATCHFollow ALL the action from the Europa League final with our live blog below…Road to BilbaoMan Utd have probably had the trickier of routes to the final, beating Real Sociedad and Lyon before knocking out final hosts Athletic Bilbao in the semis.Spurs recorded narrow victories over AZ Alkmaar and Frankfurt in the last 16 and quarter-finals, respectively.But Ange Postecoglou’s men booked their spot in the final in style with a 5-1 aggregate win over Bodo/Glimt in the semis.Copy linkCopiedTriple boost for AmorimManchester United were handed a triple boost with the returns of Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirzee.The trio were included in the Red Devils’ matchday squad for tonight’s Europa League final yesterday.On the availability of the stars, Ruben Amorim said: “They recovered quite well, they pushed, of course we have to respect the feeling of the player, we pushed a little bit because they wanted to be part of the team.”It’s a very good sign. They are limited in the minutes (they can play) but they can help us to win the game.”Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedNo invite for Ten HagFormer Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly not been invited to tonight’s Europa League final.The Dutchman led the Red Devils to the Europa League after winning the 2023/24 FA Cup.Ten Hag was also in charge of three matches during United’s league phase campaign, before he was sacked and replaced by Ruben Amorim last November.It remains to be seen if Ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Marcus Rashford will receive a medal for their involvement in the early part of the Europa League.Unlike Ten Hag, Louis van Gaal was invited to the 2017 Europa League final, despite his sacking on the back of winning the FA Cup in 2016.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDevil in detailThe position of Bruno Fernandes against a depleted Tottenham midfield is the key to Manchester United winning the Europa League.Amorim has a conundrum – whether to play his skipper in one of the No10 positions or deeper in his midfield two.United must trust Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in the final so Fernandes can be used in a free role further up the pitch.When he has played as one of the No10s, he is expected to run in-behind and stretch defences.But this does not suit his game and, against Micky van de Ven, is a waste of time.Amorim must ditch that and let his most complete player have freedom, drifting out the structure to give Spurs a headache.Copy linkCopiedLocals getting amongst itCredit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedThe big sixSIX Premier League teams will be able to qualify for next season’s Champions League!UEFA awards the two leagues with the best set of collective results in European competitions with an extra Champions League spot.And Arsenal’s 3-0 quarter-final win over 15-time champions Real Madrid in April confirmed that the Premier League would get one of these spots.Meaning that finishing fifth in the Prem would earn you a place in next year’s Champions League.But five qualification spots became six a couple of weeks back as Manchester United and Tottenham set up their Europa League final showdown in Bilbao.This ensures that an English team will win the Europa League and therefore claim a place in Europe’s premier competition next season.Copy linkCopiedUnited forced to make change to kitTottenham have been drawn as the home team for the Europa League final, which means they will wear their all-Lilywhite shirt with navy blue sleeves, paired with white shorts and white socks.In domestic competitions, Spurs usually wear navy shorts, but due to a European tradition dating back to 1961, the North London outfit have opted for white shorts this evening.Man Utd will don their red home shirts, but are forced to change their more customary white shorts.The Red Devils will pair their iconic strip with black shorts and black socks – the same combination they wore in the last-16 away leg at Real Sociedad.Spurs’ goalkeeper will wear a yellow strip while Man Utd’s shot stopper will be in all green.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedA familiar face on stageFormer Tottenham midfielder Sandro is on stage in the Spurs fan zone in Bilbao.The Brazilian is belting out “glory, glory Tottenham Hotspur” to the delight of the faithful.Can the North Londoners live up to the chant and claim glory this evening?Credit: PACopy linkCopiedAtmosphere buildingCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedSuited and bootedManchester United players prepared for the Europa League final by getting fitted with £1,000 Paul Smith suits.United have a long tradition of wearing smart outfits before a final, dating back to the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.Last year they were suited and booted before winning the FA Cup against Manchester City.And the Red Devils have now had new ones forged by bespoke tailoring outfit Paul Smith.Their partnership dates back to 2008 and, according to the Paul Smith website, “is still going strong.”Copy linkCopiedHighlights from the legends matchHere are some shots of the thrilling match which saw Basque beat the UEFA legends on penalties ahead of tonight’s final.Can you spot some of your favourite players?Copy linkCopiedGunning for itAn Arsenal fan received a torrent of abuse after walking through Tottenham fans in Bilbao wearing a Gunners shirt.Spurs supporters have taken over the Spanish city in preparation for the Europa League final.Thousands are in Bilbao, many without tickets, and there is a party atmosphere with songs being sung and flares being set off.One brave Arsenal fan decided to have some fun with a contingent of Tottenham fans, brazenly strolling through a crowd with an Gunners shirt on.The Spurs fans reacted by abusing the supporter, singing: “W*****! W*****!W*****!”This surely must have been a dare?!Copy linkCopiedWhen the Spurs go marching inEven more chaos from Tottenham fans in Bilabo.This is shaping up to be some clash!Copy linkCopiedIs this the Zway?Felix Zwayer will be the man in the middle for TONIGHT’S huge Europa League final encounter between rivals Manchester United and Tottenham.Here is everything you need to know about the referee who received a six-month ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.He made his Bundesliga debut in 2012 and soon become a regular fixture in their matches.In 2005, his career took a hit when he found himself involved in a match-fixing scandal. It was revealed that he accepted a €300 bribe from referee Robert Hoyzer, who was involved in a larger match-fixing scandal at the time in Germany.Felix was banned from refereeing for six months by the German Football Association (DFB) as a result of his involvement.Copy linkCopiedUnited’s alternative parade plansIf United do get the opportunity to rejoice in Europa League glory, the chiefs of the club are reportedly planning to celebrate with a barbecue instead.However, the BBQ could be even less glamorous than it sounds – as major building work is taking place at Carrington.It’s understood the event – for players, staff and their families – would be the day after the final.This will come as a real shame to United fans who haven’t seen an open-top bus parade since the special occasion which heralded the Red Devils’ 20th Prem title and the retirement of manager Sir Alex Ferguson after his golden reign of 27 years.Copy linkCopiedFeast your eyes on thisManchester United fans are flocking to the food court and the names of the burgers are incredible!Copy linkCopiedBus terminates hereManchester United fans have been left devastated after finding out that there will be NO open-top bus parade should their club win the Europa League final – but there’s an alternative plan.After tonight’s final, the Red Devils finish their Prem campaign at home to Aston Villa on Sunday week.Then comes a gruelling 15-hour flight to Asia for money-spinning tour games in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong on May 28 and 30.So United will have to wait longer for another open-top bus parade – having not held one since 2013.Credit: AP:Associated PressCopy linkCopiedFlares and footballUnited fans continue to flock the streets and make their voices heard ahead of tonight’s Europa League final thriller.You can barely tell what colour the sky is.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd’s incredible omensThe Red Devils beat Ajax 2-0 in Stockholm eight years ago, courtesy of goals by Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.On that occasion they were managed by a Portuguese in Jose Mourinho, who had replaced a sacked FA Cup-winning Dutchman in Louis van Gaal.Amorim is a Portuguese boss and replaced sacked Dutchman Ten Hag, who lifted the FA Cup last season…Speaking of Mourinho, the former United boss won his first European trophy on May 21, 2003 – at the age of 40 years, three months and 24 days.Tonight’s final will also take place on May 21, with Amorim just one day younger than Mourinho was.In addition to this, United’s rivals Manchester City last went trophyless in 2017.By losing to Palace on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s side were condemned to their first season without silverware since the 2016-17 campaign.Copy linkCopiedTottenham’s amazing omensIn March, Newcastle upset the odds to beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final – earning their first silverware since lifting the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.And just last week, Italian side Bologna won the Coppa Italia – beating AC Milan 1-0 in Rome to end a 51-year wait for a trophy.Former Tottenham hero Harry Kane recently won the Bundesliga at the second time of asking, scoring 26 goals along the way to earning the first trophy of his career.Most recently, Crystal Palace upset Manchester City in the FA Cup final to lift the first major silverware in their entire history.It’s been the season of fresh trophy winners – and Spurs will be hoping to join the party by earning their third Europa League triumph, having won its former iteration, the Uefa Cup, in 1971 and 1984.Copy linkCopiedViews from SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge in BilbaoAnd the boys from the Basque country have done the double… snatching the shoot-out 6-5.Even the keepers had a shot.. and, bless him, ex- United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak showed why he’s probably best between the sticks.It was great fun though, and despite Jesus Navas losing, he’ll be happy after scooping the man of the match award. He was pretty tasty to be fair and would have got my vote…We managed to speak to the two ex-Man Utd stars on show and they gave us their predictions for tonightNani said ‘United have to win’ and when pushed on whether they will, he said ‘YES’.Tomasz Kuszczak was a bit more specific with his forecast. The 2008 Champions League winner boldly tipped his old side to win 3-1. Not long now until we find out…Copy linkCopiedViews from SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge in BilbaoIt’s finished 15-12 to the Basque legends, and I think most would agree that’s a fair scoreline.But we’re having penalties anyway…. and why the hell not? A lot of people see tonight going to a shootout so let’s whet our appetites for some spot-kick drama.Copy linkCopiedViews from SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge in BilbaoGoal, shot, goal, shot, save, goal, shot… I cannot keep up with this….The commentary may well be in Basque too…if it was in Spanish I might stand a chance… probably not though.Copy linkCopiedFinal callRoy Keane has landed a new job for the Europa League final.The former Manchester United captain has appeared as a pundit regularly this season for Sky Sports and ITV.Keane shared his prediction for the final ahead of kick-off, suggesting his former club will “edge it” thanks to their history and the quality of Bruno Fernandes.He said: “You still have to fancy United, someone like Bruno can produce, the history of Manchester United still carries a little bit of weight.”There’s not much between them [in the league] but come the crunch, come the final, United’s history in finals, them winning cups the last few years, you’d like to think they would have a bit more knowledge around the game than Spurs.”That might edge it for them, and I think Bruno can produce that bit of magic.”Copy linkCopiedViews from SunSport’s Dave Courtnadge from BilbaoIt’s all level at half time with both sets of players looking like they’re happy to have a breatherThe weather is not even that hot but the pace has been pretty frenetic. Saying that, Nani was still playing last year so I reckon he could keep going for a while.Copy linkCopied More