New Delhi: Following Thursday night’s second-leg results in the Europa League, the stage is set for a mouthwatering all-English final. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur ran out comfortable winners in their respective fixtures to progress to the final on May 22 in San Mames, Bilbao, Spain.
While Man United defeated Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the second leg and 7-1 on aggregate, Spurs cruised past Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt 2-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.
Man United will be familiar with the venue of the final as they visited San Mames to face Athletic Bilbao, but it is unlikely to have a bearing on the match, as the biggest motivation for both clubs will be ending a dismal season on a high.
Both United and Spurs have endured a horrendous season and are set to finish the 2024-25 Premier League season in the bottom half of the table. United, the joint-highest 20-time English champions, have won just 10 of their 35 matches and will finish with just 44 points even if they win their last three matches.
This will be the Red Devils’ worst-ever mark in their illustrious history in English football as the Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim looks set to register some new unwanted records in his first season as the Man United manager.
Meanwhile, despite showing promise last season, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham have plumbed to new depths. Spurs, currently 16th, have their worst-ever league position finish in the 20-team era.
But both teams have a shot at redemption, as the European trophy would be a soothing balm in a woeful season.
As Spurs and United get ready to salvage their season, let’s take a look at the all-English European competition finals of the past and who emerged victorious.
All-English European finals: A history of thrills and heartbreaks
Tottenham v Wolves – 1972 UEFA Cup
The inaugural edition of the UEFA Cup Final in 1972 featured an all-English tie between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Alan Mullery, captain of Tottenham with the UEFA cup after their drawn game with Wolverhampton Wanderers to give them a 3-2 win on aggregate. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)
Tottenham won the first leg 2-1 at Molineux before a drawn 1-1 second leg match at White Hart Lane helped Spurs win 3-2 on aggregate and become the first UEFA Cup champions. The tie remains a historic all-English European final before the current Europa League era.
Manchester United v Chelsea – 2008 Champions League
Manchester United won their third European Cup title at the expense of fellow English club Chelsea in what was a memorable Champions League night in Moscow, Russia.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – MAY 21: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson lifts the trophy after the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium on May 21, 2008 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
In the first all-English Champions League final, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the Red Devils with a header, but Frank Lampard equalised for the Blues before half-time.
The match went to the penalties after the scores were tied at 1-1 after extra time. Ronaldo, who was in his prime, missed his spot-kick, but Chelsea skipper John Terry slipped and missed the potential winner.
United custodian Edwin van der Sar then saved Nicolas Anelka’s spot-kick, giving United a 6-5 shootout win.
Chelsea vs Arsenal – 2019 Europa League
Players of Chelsea celebrate the victory with the trophy after the UEFA Europa League Final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 29, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
The 2019 Europa League Final in Baku, Azerbaijan, witnessed an all-London final, which was won by Chelsea. The Blues defeated their Premier League rivals Arsenal 4-1 in an all-English clash.
Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Eden Hazard were on the scoresheet for Chelsea, while Alex Iwobi scored a consolation goal for the Gunners. The historic victory sealed Chelsea’s second Europa League title and confirmed their qualification for the 2019/20 Champions League.
Liverpool vs Tottenham – 2019 Champions League
Tottenham’s previous appearance in a European final ended in heartbreak six years ago when the London club lost the 2019 Champions League final 0-2 to Liverpool in Madrid.
MADRID, SPAIN – JUNE 01: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates with his winners medal and his children following the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The match was off to a dramatic start as Mohamed Salah gave the Reds a lead via a penalty in the second minute after Moussa Sissoko handled the ball inside the box.
Spurs tried to fight back, dominating possession and creating some good chances, but there was no way past Liverpool’s resolute defence and goalkeeper Alisson.
Substitute Divock Origi sealed the victory with a late goal in the 87th minute as Liverpool claimed their sixth European Cup title.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will clash in an all-English Europa League final, marking a significant moment in English football history. Mapping the history of the all-English European finals and memorable clashes between English rivals. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
