Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have secured their places in the UEFA Europa League final, presenting both sides with a golden opportunity to salvage a dismal domestic season and book their place in next year’s UEFA Champions League. Despite both clubs being in the lower half of the Premier League table, victory in the upcoming final would not only crown them Europa League champions but also grant them access to Europe’s top-tier competition.
On Thursday, Manchester United delivered a dominant performance at Old Trafford, defeating Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the semifinal second leg and advancing 7-1 on aggregate. Mason Mount emerged as the hero with a second-half brace, while Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund also found the net. Earlier, Mikel Jauregizar had offered Bilbao a brief glimmer of hope with a stunning long-range strike.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur sealed their place in the final with a 2-0 away win against Bodø/Glimt in Norway, concluding the tie 5-1 on aggregate. Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro in the second half ensured Spurs stayed in control throughout the match, despite the Arctic Circle venue and artificial pitch.
The final, scheduled for May 21 in Bilbao, marks the second all-English Europa League final in six years. Manchester United previously lifted the trophy in 2017, while Tottenham is seeking their first major silverware since the League Cup in 2008.
United’s journey to the final has been a rollercoaster. Under coach Ruben Amorim, who took over after Erik ten Hag’s departure, the team has faced inconsistent form. Still, the recent resurgence in European competition offers a chance for redemption. Amorim expressed the importance of the final, emphasizing that winning it would be a meaningful reward for the fans amid a disappointing league season.
For Tottenham, manager Ange Postecoglou is on the brink of fulfilling his tradition of winning trophies in his second year at a club, having done so previously with Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Celtic. With Spurs having won all three previous meetings against United this season, the momentum might favor them heading into the high-stakes final.
As both teams prepare for their fourth clash of the season, the Europa League final presents not just a trophy but a vital pathway back to European football’s elite stage — a remarkable turnaround opportunity for two struggling English giants.
In the UEFA Conference League, Chelsea will meet Real Betis in the final after a 5-1 aggregate victory over Djurgården. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the lone goal in the second leg. Betis advanced with a dramatic 4-3 aggregate win after a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina in extra time.
