Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, despite struggling in the Premier League, have both qualifed for this season’s Europa League final.
United, sitting 15th in the league, overturned a deficit to thrash Athletic Bilbao 4-1 at Old Trafford, progressing 7-1 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Spurs, who are one place below United in 16th, eased past Bodo/Glimt 2-0 to seal a 5-1 aggregate victory.
Bilbao struck first at Old Trafford through Mikel Jauregizar on 31 minutes, raising hopes of a fightback. However, Mason Mount levelled in the 72nd minute before veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro put United ahead eight minutes later.
With momentum fully swinging, Rasmus Hojlund grabbed United’s third goal, and Mount added another to complete the emphatic turnaround. That dominant finish silenced the Bilbao fans, especially as their stadium, the San Mames, will host this season’s final.
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Meanwhile, in Norway, Spurs endured a goalless first half before breaking the deadlock in the 63rd minute through Dominic Solanke. Pedro Porro then doubled the lead shortly after to seal Spurs’ comfortable passage to the final.
Although both clubs have faltered domestically, their European journeys tell a different story, with United and Spurs set for a thrilling all-English final. It will be the sixth all-English final in a major European competition – half of them have involved Spurs.
Notably, Tottenham Hotspur have beaten United three times this season across all competitions.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are unbeaten in six matches against United, recording four wins and two draws during that span. As such, Spurs will be confident heading into the final, though they are wary of history repeating itself.
The North Londoners still carry scars from their last European final against an English rival. They lost 2-0 to Liverpool in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. This time, they will hope to avoid a similar heartbreak.
For both clubs, the Europa League now offers a golden chance to salvage their seasons and restore pride.
Tags: #MUFC, #GGMU, Manchester United, Athletic Bilbao, Tottenham, Spurs, Bodo/Glimt, #COYS, #UEL, Uefa Europa League, #EuropaLeague, #BODTOT, #MUNBIL.
