Europa League 2025: Tottenham and Manchester United in an All-English Final in Bilbao

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – The San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao hosts an all-English Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Despite disappointing Premier League seasons, both teams have impressively navigated their way through Europe to reach this ultimate showdown.

🏆 Stakes of the Final

Beyond the trophy, this final offers direct qualification to the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League and a spot in the UEFA Super Cup against the Champions League winner. For Tottenham, it would be their first European title since 1984, while Manchester United aims for their second Europa League triumph after their 2017 victory.

📊 Europa League Journey

Tottenham Hotspur

Group Stage: Faced Qarabağ, Ferencváros, AZ Alkmaar, Galatasaray, Roma, and Rangers, finishing fourth to qualify for the knockout stage.
Round of 16: Won against AZ Alkmaar (3-2 on aggregate).
Quarter-finals: Defeated Eintracht Frankfurt (2-1).
Semi-finals: Dominant victory over Bodø/Glimt (5-1).

Manchester United

Group Stage: Finished third after matches against Twente, Porto, Fenerbahçe, PAOK, Bodø/Glimt, and Viktoria Plzeň.
Round of 16: Victory over Real Sociedad (5-2).
Quarter-finals: Spectacular win against Lyon (7-6).
Semi-finals: Triumphant against Athletic Bilbao (7-1).

⚖️ Predictions and Analysis

According to Opta simulations, Tottenham is a slight favorite with a 50.3% chance of lifting the trophy, versus 49.7% for Manchester United. Spurs have already beaten the Red Devils three times this season, a rare achievement.
Bookmakers give a slight edge to Manchester United, with odds of 7/5 compared to 7/4 for Tottenham. Experts expect a close match, potentially going into extra time and penalties.

🔍 Key Players

Tottenham: Son Heung-min, captain and offensive leader, will be crucial. Pape Sarr is fit to play, while Lucas Bergvall is sidelined.
Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes, with 19 goals and 19 assists this season, is the team’s driving force. Alejandro Garnacho could also make a difference.

🕘 Practical Information

Date and Time: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 9:00 PM local time.
Venue: San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao, Spain.
Broadcast: Live on Movistar Plus+, LaLiga TV Bar, and Orange TV in Spain.

📝 Conclusion

This final represents a chance for redemption for two English football giants. A victory would not only bring a prestigious trophy but also a crucial Champions League spot, essential for the rebuilding of these clubs. The match promises to be intense and undecided until the very end.