Ange Postecoglou celebrates with his technical crew after the final whistle against United in Europa League final
Tottenham scored a scrappy first-half goal to win the Europa League, thanks to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on Wednesday.
A Luke Shaw own goal was the difference in a poor match not befitting of a European final.
Tottenham’s triumph in the sixth all-English final ended a 17-year trophy drought, and the Lillywhites have now won silverware since their EFL Cup triumph in 2008.
It also ended a continental drought for Tottenham, who won their first European title in over 40 years.
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Shaw, recently back from injury, was handed a surprise start, while Alejandro Garnacho was left out for Man United. Tottenham also dropped Heung-Min Son to the bench.
Real chances were lacking, but Brennan Johnson saw his near-post shot saved by Andre Onana, while Amad Diallo’s drilled shot was Man United’s tame response.
The match turned into a scrappy affair with little inspiration, but Tottenham managed to take the lead via an own goal in the 42nd minute.
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A cross from the wing inadvertently hit Shaw, and the ball trickled over the line despite Onana’s comical double attempt to prevent it.
The Red Devils tried to respond immediately without success, and Spurs went into the break 1-0 ahead.
A boring second half was briefly sparked to life after the hour when a goalkeeper error allowed Rasmus Hojlund a header that was cleared off the line by Christian Romero.
A double substitution with Joshua Zirkzee and Garnacho coming on added more bite to Ruben Amorim’s side, but Bruno Fernandes headed wide before Garnacho’s low shot was pushed out as Man United sought a way back into the poor encounter.
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Tottenham, the North London side, however, held their fallen opponents at bay to seal their fourth consecutive win over Man United this season, and with it, a priceless title as Europa League champions.
Ange Postecoglou also became the first Australian coach to reach a European final and set the record as the first to win it.
Man United, on the other hand, have lost consecutive Europa League finals, and a third loss in four European Cup finals.
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