Tottenham Hotspur have finally broken their long-standing trophy drought after defeating Premier League rivals Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final. The hard-fought victory, secured by a first-half goal from Brennan Johnson, sparked reactions from across the football world—including from former Spurs talisman Harry Kane and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
The final, played at the iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on Wednesday night, saw Tottenham clinch their first major silverware since 2008 and their first European trophy in over three decades. The North London club last tasted continental success in 1984 when they lifted the UEFA Cup, the predecessor of the Europa League.
A Night of Redemption for Tottenham
It was a dramatic season for both finalists, as Tottenham and Manchester United entered the final occupying 17th and 16th positions, respectively, in the Premier League. For much of the domestic campaign, both teams struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and internal challenges.
However, Wednesday night’s triumph in Europe has rewritten Tottenham’s narrative for the season, giving their fans reason to celebrate and hope for a brighter future under Australian manager Ange Postecoglou.
The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Welsh forward Brennan Johnson capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home the winning goal. The 23-year-old’s composed finish turned out to be the difference, as Spurs held on resiliently to keep United at bay for the remainder of the match.
Harry Kane’s Message of Support
Harry Kane, who spent over a decade at Tottenham before making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, took to social media to congratulate his former side.
“Congratulations @SpursOfficial,” Kane wrote in a brief but heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), showing solidarity with the club where he rose to global prominence.
Though Kane departed Tottenham in search of silverware and has since won the Bundesliga title with Bayern, he has remained on good terms with Spurs fans and still follows the club’s progress closely.
The England captain’s acknowledgment of Tottenham’s European success has stirred emotional responses among Spurs supporters, many of whom still consider him a club legend.
Salah Applauds Postecoglou’s Leadership
Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah also joined the chorus of praise, singling out Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou for his achievement.
“He did say he’d win in his second season. Congratulations!” Salah posted on his X account, referencing Postecoglou’s pre-season confidence in leading the team to silverware.
The Australian tactician, who arrived at Tottenham from Celtic in 2023, faced skepticism from sections of the media and fanbase after a rocky start. However, his calm demeanor, tactical flexibility, and long-term vision for the club have earned him respect across the league.
Postecoglou’s comments after the match echoed his commitment to changing the club’s trajectory.
“It’s hard to put into words,” the 58-year-old said in a post-match interview. “It’s been a challenging year for everyone involved, but I’ve had this belief throughout the season. One focus, one target—that was our mantra. We’ve shed the ‘nearly team’ tag, and tonight we proved we can win on the big stage.”
He continued: “This trophy belongs to the players, the staff, and the fans who’ve stood by us. They deserve nights like this.”
European Glory Secures UCL Return
With the Europa League title, Tottenham not only end their 17-year wait for a trophy but also secure automatic qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. This development is a huge morale boost, especially after the club’s dismal Premier League campaign.
Tottenham’s Europa League triumph marks their third in the competition, adding to previous wins in 1972 and 1984. It also strengthens the club’s reputation on the European stage at a time when English clubs are fighting to maintain continental dominance.
Brennan Johnson, the match-winner, reflected on the importance of the night for both himself and the club.
“Scoring in a European final is a dream come true,” he said. “We’ve worked so hard this season, and to give the fans this moment—especially after so many years without a trophy—means everything.”
Mixed Reactions for Manchester United
For Manchester United, the defeat adds to a growing list of disappointments this season. The Red Devils failed to mount a serious title challenge and are now likely to miss out on European competition entirely next season unless other results go their way.
United manager Erik ten Hag remained defiant, praising his team’s effort despite the loss.
“We didn’t take our chances and they did—that’s the harsh reality of finals,” Ten Hag said. “But I’m proud of the fight my players showed. It’s not the ending we wanted, but we’ll come back stronger.”
United fans, however, have voiced increasing frustration, calling for structural changes at the club after a second consecutive trophyless season.
Social Media Erupts
Following the final whistle, social media platforms lit up with tributes, analysis, and celebratory posts. Tottenham’s official account shared photos of players lifting the trophy, while fans across the globe hailed the historic night.
“Seventeen years waiting, and we finally have something to show for it. This is just the beginning under Ange!” tweeted one Spurs supporter.
Others praised Johnson’s emergence as a big-game player and questioned whether this triumph could usher in a new golden era for the club.
What’s Next?
As celebrations continue in North London, Tottenham now turn their attention to rebuilding and reinforcing ahead of next season. With Champions League football secured, the club is expected to be active in the summer transfer window.
For Harry Kane, the win serves as a bittersweet reminder of what could have been. For Postecoglou, it’s validation of his methods and leadership. And for Mohamed Salah and other admirers, it’s further evidence that with belief, strategy, and unity, transformation is possible—even after years of waiting.
