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On paper, a Europa League final between the teams placed 16th and 17th in the Premier League might seem uninspiring.
But this year's clash at Athletic Bilbao’s legendary San Mamés Stadium is anything but ordinary.
For both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, this match has become a season-defining moment.
Spurs, without silverware since their 2008 EFL Cup triumph under Juande Ramos, are hungry for glory.
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A win here would not only break their 17-year drought but also validate Ange Postecoglou’s turbulent second season in charge.
1. 2025: The Year of the Underdogs in Football
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The year 2025 will be remembered as a historic season for football underdogs, as long-suffering clubs and players finally broke their trophy droughts in dramatic fashion.
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Across Europe and beyond, teams and individuals who had endured decades—or even centuries—of near misses celebrated long-awaited glory.
Bologna’s 51-year wait ends – Serie A side Bologna FC, once a dominant force in Italian football, had not won a major trophy since their 1974 Coppa Italia triumph.
In 2025, they defied expectations, securing a historic title—whether in domestic cup competition or a shock league victory.
Newcastle United’s 70-year drought over – The Magpies last won a major trophy in 1955 (FA Cup), but 2025 saw them finally return to glory.
Under ambitious ownership and a revitalised squad, Newcastle claimed silverware, ending generations of frustration for their loyal supporters.
Crystal Palace’s century-breaking triumph - Crystal Palace made history by winning their first major trophy in 119 years since their founding in 1905.
Whether through the FA Cup, League Cup, or a European competition, the Eagles soared to an unforgettable victory, etching their name into football folklore.
Other remarkable underdog stories in 2025
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Go Ahead Eagles (93 Years) – The Dutch club, last champions in 1933, stunned the football world with a major trophy.
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The 2025 season has seen a series of underdog victories, suggesting a shift in football dynamics.
Tottenham, aiming to end a 17-year trophy drought, aligns with this trend.
Their journey to the final, marked by overcoming challenges and defying expectations, positions them as a team of destiny in a year favouring the underdog.
2. Postecoglou’s talk
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Ange Postecoglou has consistently demonstrated his ability to make a lasting impact during his second season with clubs.
He told SkySports reporters in September, "I always win things in my second year."
At Brisbane Roar, his second campaign (2010/11) was historic, leading the team to an unbeaten 28-match run and winning the A-League Championship—setting a new standard in Australian football.
His brief time at Melbourne Victory also showed promise, with the team reaching the finals in his second season before he left to coach the Australian national team.
In Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos, Postecoglou’s second season in 2019 saw him guide the club to its first J1 League title in 15 years, thanks to his high-tempo, attacking philosophy.
His success continued at Celtic, where in his second season (2022/23), he led the team to a domestic treble—winning the league, Scottish Cup, and League Cup—solidifying his status as a top-tier manager.
Now at Tottenham Hotspur, Postecoglou is in his second season (2024/25), with fans hopeful that he will build on the positive foundation laid in his debut year, potentially bringing the club closer to long-awaited silverware.
His track record suggests that year two is often when his full influence takes hold, delivering results and establishing a clear footballing identity.
3. First-time trophy winners – players
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Several players across Europe celebrated their first major career trophies in 2025, marking a year of long-awaited personal triumphs:
Harry Kane, Eric Dier, and Michael Olise all won their first titles with Bayern Munich, lifting the Bundesliga trophy.
Eberechi Eze, Dean Henderson, and Jean-Philippe Mateta were key to Crystal Palace’s historic FA Cup victory, the club's first-ever major trophy.
Dan Ndoye starred in Bologna’s Coppa Italia win, earning Man of the Match honours in the final.
Bruno Guimarães and Dan Burn helped Newcastle United clinch the EFL Cup, ending a 70-year silverware drought.
These players joined the growing list of first-time winners in a season defined by underdog victories and emotional breakthroughs.
Now, Tottenham Hotspur players like Son Heung-min, James Maddison, Cristian Romero, and rising talents such as Udogie, Johnson, and Solanke are aiming to join them.
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With strong performances and a hunger for silverware, these Spurs players are key to the club’s push to win the Europa League—in line with this year’s trend of breakthrough victories for long-time underdogs.
4. United don’t deserve to be in Europe
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Manchester United's 2024–25 Premier League campaign has been one of the most disappointing in the club's modern history.
Currently positioned 16th in the league standings, the team has recorded 10 wins, 9 draws, and 18 losses, accumulating a total of 39 points with a goal difference of -12.
Offensively, the Red Devils have struggled significantly, managing to score only 42 goals throughout the season.
Bruno Fernandes leads the team's scoring chart with 8 goals, followed by Amad Diallo (7) and Alejandro Garnacho (6).
This underwhelming performance underscores the club's ongoing challenges, including inconsistent recruitment strategies, a lack of cohesive playing identity, and frequent managerial changes.
The reliance on the Europa League as a potential pathway back to the Champions League highlights the extent of the club's decline.
Without significant structural and strategic reforms, Manchester United risks further diminishing its stature in both domestic and European football.
5. Tottenham's dominance over Manchester United in 2024/25
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Throughout the 2024/25 season, Tottenham Hotspur has maintained an unblemished record against Manchester United across all competitions.
September 29, 2024: Tottenham secured a commanding 3-0 victory at home, with goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke.
February 16, 2025: James Maddison's early goal ensured a 1-0 win for Spurs, marking their first home league victory in over three months.
League Cup Clash – December 19, 2024: Tottenham edged out Manchester United with a 2-1 win in the League Cup quarter-finals, further asserting their dominance.
These results highlight Tottenham's tactical prowess and psychological edge over Manchester United this season.
As they prepare for the Europa League final, Spurs' consistent performances against the Red Devils position them as strong contenders for the title.