Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to clash in the Europa League final on May 22, 2025, after both teams secured impressive victories in their semifinal ties on Thursday. Spurs triumphed over Bodo/Glimt with a 2-0 win in Norway, while United mounted a comeback to defeat Athletic Club 4-1, concluding the tie with a commanding 7-1 aggregate score.
This matchup marks the third time in Europa League and UEFA Cup history that two English teams will face each other in the final, following Chelsea's victory over Arsenal in 2019 and Tottenham's win against Wolves in 1972. The final will take place at the San Mamés Stadium, the home ground of Athletic Club, where United had previously achieved a surprising 3-0 victory in the first leg of their semifinal.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham have had less-than-stellar seasons in the Premier League, currently sitting in the bottom half of the table. This final presents a golden opportunity for both clubs to secure silverware and a coveted spot in the 2025-26 edition of the Champions League.
United's victory over Athletic Club was highlighted by a stellar performance from Mason Mount, who came off the bench to score twice in the second half. Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund also contributed to the scoreline, sealing United's passage to the final. "It was too long [waiting for a night like that]," Mount expressed after the match. "I carried on going, working hard in training every day and tried to stay positive and when I had an opportunity to try to make an impact. Today it paid off and I came on and affected the game. It was a tight game when I came on, I just tried to calm it down."
On the other side, Tottenham's win was secured thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro, allowing them to finish the semifinal with a 5-1 aggregate score against Bodo/Glimt. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou expressed optimism about the upcoming final, stating, "We've given [the fans] some hope, something to dream about, and [an] exciting trip coming up. We'll just keep doing what we're doing." Postecoglou is keen to deliver Tottenham's first trophy since 2008 and has a track record of winning silverware in his second season at a club.
United's manager, Ruben Amorim, emphasized the significance of the final, saying, "We need to win it. If we don't win it, it means nothing for us." The pressure is palpable for both coaches, as they navigate the scrutiny that comes with managing clubs of such stature. United has faced Tottenham three times this season, suffering defeats in two league matches and the Carabao Cup, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this final.
The journey to the final for both clubs has been filled with ups and downs. Manchester United's path included a dramatic quarter-final against Lyon, where they drew 2-2 away but advanced with a thrilling 5-4 win at home. In the semifinals, they overcame Athletic Club with a 3-0 win away and the decisive 4-1 victory at home.
Tottenham, meanwhile, faced Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, managing a 1-1 draw at home before securing a narrow 1-0 victory away. Their semifinal against Bodo/Glimt saw them win comfortably at home 3-1 before finishing the job with a 2-0 win in Norway.
As the final approaches, both teams will be focused on avoiding injuries and preparing for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. With the stakes high for both clubs, fans are eagerly anticipating a showcase of talent and determination in Bilbao, Spain.
With both teams having faced each other multiple times this season, the familiarity may play a crucial role in the final. Tottenham has had the upper hand in their previous encounters, which could instill confidence as they head into this decisive match. However, the knockout nature of cup competitions often leads to unpredictable outcomes, making this final an open contest.
As the clock ticks down to the final, the excitement is palpable. Fans of both clubs are hopeful that their teams can turn a challenging season around with a trophy, and the prospect of European football next season adds an extra layer of motivation. The final will not only be a battle for silverware but a chance for redemption for both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
In the end, the Europa League final is more than just a match; it’s an opportunity for glory, a chance to lift a trophy, and a moment that could define the season for both clubs. As the teams prepare to take the field at San Mamés, all eyes will be on these two storied clubs as they vie for European supremacy.
