The protagonist of this match was Cristian Romero (27, Tottenham). He was selected as the Player of the Match (POTM).
Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the final of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League held at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korean time).
With this victory, Tottenham lifted the trophy for the first time in 17 years since the 2008 League Cup, breaking their trophy drought. At the same time, Son Heung-min also succeeded in winning a major trophy with his club for the first time in 15 years after turning professional.
This final was not just about the championship, but it was an important match for qualification for the next season's UEFA Champions League. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League this season, Tottenham made a dramatic turnaround, while Manchester United had to bow their heads in the final, which had over £100 million (about 186 billion won) in revenue at stake.
Tottenham lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson occupied the front line, while Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr, and Rodrigo Bentancur filled the midfield. Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Pedro Porro formed the back four, and Guglielmo Vicario guarded the goal. Son Heung-min remained on the bench.
Manchester United faced off in a 3-4-3 formation. Mason Mount, Rasmus Højlund, and Amad Diallo were at the front, while Patrick Doughty, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Noussair Mazraoui stood in midfield. Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro formed a back three, and Andre Onana wore the goalkeeper gloves.
Tottenham took the lead in the 41st minute with a decisive goal from Brennan Johnson and endured fierce attacks from Manchester United until the end. In particular, in the second half, Micky van de Ven made a crucial defensive play on the goal line to save the team.
In the 67th minute, captain Son Heung-min came onto the field, replacing Richarlison. Son actively participated in counterattacks with pressing and dynamic movements from the front and even created a shooting opportunity in the 81st minute.
After the final whistle, Son Heung-min wrapped himself in the Taegeukgi and raised the trophy high. Amid the cheers of his teammates, he lifted the final trophy in the center, completing the long-awaited victory scene for 'Captain Son.'
After the match, UEFA officially announced that Cristian Romero, the vice-captain, was selected as the official POTM of this match.
Romero, who started the match as a central defender, played the full game, achieving a passing accuracy of 93% (14/15), long-range passes completed 100% (2/2), 1 successful tackle, 1 block, 8 clearances, and 6 successful duels, demonstrating excellent defensive ability.
UEFA noted, "Cristian Romero of Tottenham, who wore the captain's armband in the final, was honored with the 'POTM' award, adding another accolade to his name."
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