New Delhi: The stage is set in Bilbao as two of English football’s most iconic names, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, prepare to go head-to-head in the 2025 UEFA Europa League final at San Mames and seal a spot in the next season’s Champions League. While last year’s showpiece delivered a masterclass in footballing brilliance with Atalanta’s shocking unbeaten Bayern Leverkusen, this year’s edition carries a very different kind of intrigue. Neither United nor Spurs have had a domestic season to remember. In fact, both clubs have hit historic lows in the Premier League this year, finishing just above the relegation zone.
Now, both stumbling giants are aiming for European glory. They have somehow found form in Europe when everything else was falling apart at home. Tottenham and Manchester United have each managed only four wins against Premier League opposition since January while French champions Paris Saint-Germain have beaten English sides more often during the same period. And yet, one of these two teams will end the season not just with silverware but with a ticket back to the Champions League. It’s a final that might not have the glamour of past years but it promises tension, passion and drama.
Before the action kicks off, let’s take a look at the key battles that might decide the fate of the final.
Dominic Solanke vs Harry Maguire
Dominic Solanke has developed a habit of scoring against Manchester United, and he will come in a great form into the final. The England international has scored five goals in his past four encounters with the Red Devils, including three this season.
Solanke scored twice for Bournemouth against United last season, and specifically against Harry Maguire, but he is yet to come up against Maguire during his time in the Spurs jersey. In the semifinal against Athletic Club, he provided a brilliant assist to Casemiro and helped open the scoreline. According to Ruben Amorim, he is the only guy who can score a goal with his head.
Amad Diallo vs Destiny Udogie
As Tottenham and Manchester United prepare to face off for the fourth time this season, one battle we have yet to witness could finally take centre stage- Amad Diallo against Destiny Udogie. Surprisingly, despite all their recent meetings, these two have not shared the pitch since their teenage years in Italy’s U17 league. Back then, it was Amad who had the upper hand, playing a key role as his Atalanta side scored 12 goals across two emphatic wins over Udogie’s Hellas Verona.
Fast forward seven years, and both players have grown into crucial figures for their respective teams. Amad, who has added spark and unpredictability to United’s attack, could be the one to unlock a tight final in Bilbao, especially with recent Europa League finals often being low-scoring affairs. But if Udogie, now Spurs’ first-choice left-back, can neutralise his former youth rival, he might just take the sting out of Amorim’s most creative outlet. In a final that may be decided by the finest of margins this personal battle down the flank could carry huge weight.
Yves Bissouma vs Bruno Fernandes
Tottenham’s 3-1 home semi-final victory over Bodø/Glimt saw Yves Bissouma make an unexpected start. The 28-year-old was in superb form at the start of the 2023/24 season seems like a lifetime ago, with the Mali international fighting for consistency at Spurs. Bissouma stunned Bodo/Glimt in both encounters, playing the role of midfielder superbly. With speculations over Lucas Bergvll’s fitness, he is expected to pair up alongside Rodrigo Bentancur in the final.
On the other hand, Man United will put up a much stiffer challenge than Bodoe/Glimt, courtesy of their creative director, Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes boasts the most assists and total goal involvements in the tournament’s history. He is second in the Europa League for key passes (41) this season, with seven goals and four assists. With Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte protecting the defence, the Portugal international is free to cause havoc in the final third. The 30-year-old’s finest Premier League performance without a goal or assist came in February’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham, where he had one shot and four vital passes. The skipper, along with his army, will not let Spurs off so easily for the second time.
Cristian Romero vs Rasmus Hojlund
Cristiano Romero has not been available for most of the season due to injuries, struggling hard for regular action but in the Europa League, his return has come at the perfect time for Tottenham. The Argentine defender has played a key role in their Europa League run-in and now looks ready to make an impact even in the final. Fans will remember his standout performance in Spurs’ 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season, marking one of his best matches this season. Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that he can deliver something similar on the big stage tonight.
However, Romero will face a tough challenge in Rasmus Hojlund. While the Danish striker has had an up-and-down spell since joining Manchester United but he has found form in Europe, scoring six goals and providing two assists in the competition. Out of which he scored one goal in the semi-final second leg against Athletic Club. With the pressure on, United will be looking to Hojlund to step up and rediscover his scoring touch in Bilbao.
As Spurs and Man United battle for silverware in Bilbao check out the key matchups that could shape the outcome of this high-stakes clash. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
