All hail Europa League champions Spurs, and no glory for Man United fans
It was definitely not a match for the ages, but that mattered little as Tottenham Hotspur won their first piece of silverware in 17 years, as they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final on Wednesday evening.
In a tense and tactical trophy decider in Bilbao, a quite forgettable goalmouth scurry resulted in the match-winning goal which ultimately decided the contest.
The manner in which Spurs won though, does not matter at all. That elusive first trophy after so many years is finally a reality. Not only is it a welcome relief for Spurs to have finally won something, earning a place in the UEFA Champions League next season, is possibly the bigger prize.
There will still be calls for Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou's head after the dust settles on their victory though, but hopefully this title could help to some extent in the Greek keeping his job and the London side putting an otherwise poor season behind them.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


eNCA
a day ago
- eNCA
Romero replaces Son as Spurs captain
Cristian Romero has been named as Tottenham's new captain after the departure of club legend Son Heung-min. Son, who had worn the armband for the last two seasons and lifted the Europa League in May as Spurs ended their 17-year wait for a trophy, joined LAFC earlier this month. Romero had acted as vice-captain for the previous two years and started the Europa League final win over Manchester United as skipper before Son came off the bench in the second half. The 27-year-old Argentine will lead his side out when Tottenham take on European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday. "I had a good conversation with Cuti Romero and he's going to be our captain," new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank told the official club website. "He was very honoured and very happy about it. It's a big thing and should be to lead this wonderful club out on the pitch, not just for this Super Cup, but also throughout the season. "I think he has all the right qualities. He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way and outside the pitch he's always pushing the team."


The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Can Spurs shock PSG in Uefa Super Cup?
Tottenham's longer odds may be worth a punt. Tottenham Hotspur's difficult last season ended on a positive, as they beat Manchester United to lift the Uefa Europa League and qualify for the new campaign's Uefa Champions League. Another reward for Spurs is that they get to take on last season's Champions League winner Paris St Germain on Wednesday evening in the Uefa Super Cup. Spurs have had a difficult off-season, losing creative star James Maddison to a long-term injury and seeing club legend Son Heung-Min depart for Los Angeles FC in the USA. Winger Mohammed Kudus has been brought in from West Ham, while Joao Palhinha looks an astute signing in defensive midfield. But the general feeling is that Thomas Frank's side are still a little short heading into a busy season. PSG had a fantastic 2024/25 campaign under Luis Enrique, winning the Champions League for the first time, absolutely thumping Inter Milan 5-0 in the final. The French champions crashed slightly back down to earth when they lost 3-0 to Chelsea in the Fifa Club World Cup final. But they will still head into Wednesday's game at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udinese, Italy as clear favourites. The main talking point of PSG's very short pre-season has been a fallout with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who looks set to leave, and who has been left out of PSG's squad for the clash with Tottenham. PSG have signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille, and he looks set to be their number one 'keeper for the season. Spurs coach Frank has had his own problems, leaving Yves Bissouma out of his squad after the midfielder was repeatedly late for training. Betway's odds for the game reflect PSG's favourites tag, with the French side at 1.43 to Tottenham's 6.40 and a draw at 5.20. Anything can happen in a one-off match, however, as Crystal Palace showed last weekend when they took down Liverpool to lift the FA Community Shield. Chelsea exposed a frailty in PSG at left back when they took them down in the Club World Cup final. And Tottenham's Frank may well copy from Enzo Maresca's playbook. With far better bang for your buck, Spurs may just be worth a punt.


The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Chiefs finally announce Velebayi signing
'The Cape Town-born winger has signed a long term contract with the club,' said Chiefs in a statement. Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the signing of 22 year-old winger Asenele Velebayi. ALSO READ: Chiefs confirm duo are available for Polokwane clash Velebayi signs on a free transfer after being declared a free agent this week by a Premier Soccer League Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC). Chiefs' new man 'We would like to announce the signing of Asanele Velebayi,' read a Chiefs statement. 'The Cape Town-born winger has signed a long term contract with the club.' Chiefs have been pursuing the signature of Velebayi since before the start of the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League campaign. At that stage Cape Town Spurs reportedly put a price tag of R12 million on his head. Spurs were relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship at the end of last season. And Chiefs looked to seize an opportunity, believing they could sign the player as a free agent, with Spurs demoted to amateur status. Spurs contested this, but this week Velebayi was declared a free agent, sparking outrage from the Mother City club. 'A legal and logical catastrophe' 'While on the surface it appears to be a victory for player freedom, the ruling is a legal and logical catastrophe – one built on contradictory reasoning and a wilful ignorance of contractual law. More alarmingly, it has fired a fatal shot into the heart of football development, threatening to make long-term investment in young talent an unsustainable, and ultimately pointless endeavour.' ALSO READ: Pirates targeting maximum points against Gallants It remains to be seen if Spurs appeal the decision, but for now it seems Velebayi is free to play for Chiefs. Amakhosi's next match is a DStv Premiership clash with Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night. Chiefs are also hoping to sign former Spurs forward Luke Baartman, with a similar case still awaiting an outcome.