Johnson fires Spurs to Europa League glory and ends 17-year trophy wait

BILBAO, Spain: Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half goal handed Tottenham Hotspur a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday, sealing the club’s first piece of silverware in 17 years and a return to the Champions League.

In a match that mirrored both teams’ underwhelming domestic seasons—Spurs finishing 17th and United 16th in the Premier League—it was Tottenham who found a moment of fortune to claim their first European title since 1984.

The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when a low cross from Pape Sarr created chaos in United’s box. With goalkeeper Andre Onana static, Johnson and Luke Shaw collided as they scrambled for the ball, which bundled in off the pair past Onana’s outstretched arm.

United nearly equalised in the second half when Rasmus Hojlund’s header was heroically cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven. Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario then pulled off two crucial saves late on, denying Alejandro Garnacho and Shaw to preserve the lead.

“Ever since I came here, it’s been ‘Tottenham are a good team but can never get it done’. We got it done,” said a jubilant Johnson.

For Spurs, this hard-fought triumph not only ends a painful drought since their 2008 League Cup win but also revives hope after a turbulent campaign.