Gareth Bale (36) congratulated Tottenham Hotspur on their victory.
Tottenham Hotspur won the UEFA Europa League final for the 2024-2025 season, held on the 22nd (Korean time) at the Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, defeating Manchester United 1-0.
With this victory, Tottenham lifted a trophy for the first time in 17 years since the 2008 League Cup, breaking their trophy-less streak. At the same time, Son Heung-min also succeeded in winning a major trophy with his team for the first time in 15 years since his professional debut.
This final was not just a victory, but a crucial match for qualification to the UEFA Champions League next season. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League this season, Tottenham made a dramatic turnaround, while Manchester United had to bow their heads in a final that could bring in over £100 million (approximately 186 billion won) in revenue.
Tottenham set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson positioned themselves at the front, 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 was on the bench.
Manchester United matched up in a 3-4-3 formation. Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, and Amad Diallo led the front, while Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Noussair Mazraoui stood in the midfield. Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Leni Yoro set up the back three, and Andre Onana wore the goalkeeper gloves.
Tottenham took the lead in the 41st minute of the first half with a decisive goal from Brennan Johnson, and they held off fierce attacks from Manchester United until the end. In particular, in the second half, Micky van de Ven made a crucial save on the goal line, saving the team.
In the 67th minute, captain Son Heung-min came on for Richarlison. Son Heung-min actively participated in counterattacks with offensive pressure and dynamic movement, even creating a shooting opportunity for himself in the 81st minute.
After the final whistle, Son Heung-min wrapped himself in the Taeguk flag and lifted the trophy high. Amid the cheers of his teammates, he raised the final trophy in the center, fulfilling the long-awaited victory scene of 'Captain Son.'
After the match, the UEFA Europa League reported the story of Gareth Bale, a 'legend from Tottenham.' In this match, Bale, who served as a special commentator for TNT Sports, said, "It’s amazing for Tottenham. It took a long time! I'm so happy for the club and fans who waited so long," expressing his gratitude to the fans who supported through a long period without trophies.
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