Tottenham Wins Europa League Final, Ends 17-Year Trophy Drought

Tottenham Hotspur secured their first major trophy in 17 years by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final at San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, ensuring Champions League qualification next season. Brennan Johnson scored the crucial goal before Spurs adopted a pragmatic defensive strategy, which pundits praised for its discipline despite the overall game quality being described as poor. Key defensive performances were highlighted, with players Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, and Yves Bissouma receiving high ratings for their contributions in maintaining a clean sheet against a Manchester United side that struggled to create chances. Richarlison, who started over fan-favorite Son Heung-min, played a pivotal role and expressed pride in his hard work paying off, marking his first European trophy. Postecoglou’s tactical decisions, including late substitutions to bolster defense, were instrumental in preserving the lead. The triumph ended a difficult season for Spurs, providing a morale boost and a significant milestone under the manager's second year in charge.