The final match of the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League was played on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the city of Bilbao, located in Spain’s Basque Country. The final took place at San Mamés Stadium and featured a clash between two English Premier League clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. This encounter marked the seventh time in UEFA Europa League history that the final was contested between two teams from the same country. The match officials were appointed by UEFA from the German Football Association and included Felix Zwayer as the referee, with Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz as assistant referees. The fourth official was Maurizio Mariani from Italy.

Pre-Match Preparations and Citywide Organization

Ahead of the final, UEFA organized a wide range of activities throughout the city of Bilbao. In addition to the match at San Mamés Stadium, various fan-oriented events were set up in different parts of the city to enhance the overall experience. Fan zones, established in cooperation with local authorities, were placed in key locations such as the area around the Guggenheim Museum, Moyua Square, and the Gran Via Avenue.

These fan zones featured licensed merchandise booths, play areas, stage performances, and interactive digital experiences. There were also special sections for children, photo platforms, and themed stands designed for social media sharing. With more than 50,000 football fans expected in the city on match day, local transport systems were extended into the late hours, some roads were closed to vehicles to allow for pedestrian traffic, and heightened security measures were implemented across the area.

^{Bilbao Ahead of the Final Match – Anadolu Agency}

Squad Values and Road to the Final

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United reached the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League final with contrasting team structures and journeys. According to the German football data platform Transfermarkt, the total market value of the Tottenham squad stood at €776.1 million. The most valuable player was Swedish midfielder Dejan Kulusevski, valued at €60 million. Other high-value players included James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Van de Ven, Solanke, and Richarlison. Manchester United entered the tournament with a total squad value of €693.25 million. Bruno Fernandes, Leny Yoro, and Kobbie Mainoo were the most valuable players in the squad, each valued at €55 million.

Tottenham lost only to Galatasaray in the group stage and finished top with 17 points. They defeated AZ Alkmaar in the Round of 16, Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals, and Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in the semi-finals with an aggregate score of 5–1 to book their place in the final. Manchester United, on the other hand, overcame Marseille and Athletic Club in the knockout rounds. Their emphatic 7–1 aggregate win over Athletic Club particularly underlined their strength heading into the final.

Starting Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario, Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie (90’ Spence), Sarr (90’ Gray), Bissouma, Bentancur, Johnson (78’ Danso), Solanke, Richarlison (67’ Son)

Manchester United: Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Luke Shaw, Mazraoui (85’ Dalot), Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Dorgu (90’ Mainoo), Diallo, Højlund (71’ Zirkzee), Mount (71’ Garnacho)

Match Progress

First Half

The match began with attacking intent from Manchester United. In the 16th minute, following a corner taken by Bruno Fernandes, goalkeeper Vicario spilled the ball, but Diallo’s follow-up shot went wide. As the first half progressed, Tottenham gained control and broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. Sarr delivered a cross from the left, which deflected off Luke Shaw and fell to Johnson, who scored to give Tottenham a 1–0 lead going into halftime.

^{Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Final Match, May 21, 2025 – Anadolu Agency}

Second Half

Manchester United started the second half strongly and came close to scoring in the 58th minute with a shot from Yoro, but the chance was blocked by the defense. In the 68th minute, Fernandes delivered a deep free-kick that found Højlund, whose effort was cleared off the line by Van de Ven. In the 72nd minute, Fernandes headed the ball just wide of the target.

In the closing moments, United increased the pressure, and in the 90+7th minute, Luke Shaw’s close-range header was saved by goalkeeper Vicario. The match ended 1–0, with the only goal scored in the first half.

^{Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Final Match, May 21, 2025 – Anadolu Agency}

Refereeing Decisions and Match Details

A total of seven players received yellow cards during the final. For Manchester United, the bookings went to Diallo (35’), Zirkzee (84’), Maguire (88’), and substitute Jonny Evans (90+2’). On Tottenham’s side, Van de Ven (49’), Richarlison (57’), and Bissouma (68’) were cautioned. Brennan Johnson’s goal, the only one of the match, became a memorable moment in Europa League final history. The match, officiated by Felix Zwayer, was played at a high tempo and did not feature any particularly controversial decisions.

Historical Significance of the Final

Tottenham Hotspur claimed their third UEFA Europa League title, following previous triumphs in 1972 and 1984. With this victory, the club ended a 41-year wait for another European trophy and secured direct qualification to the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League group stage. Manchester United, on the other hand, failed to add to their 2017 title, losing in their second final appearance since then. Tottenham became the third English club in history to win three European trophies. This final also stood out financially—featuring squads with a combined market value of €1.469 billion, it ranked among the most valuable Europa League finals ever.

^{Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United – UEFA Europa League Final Match, May 21, 2025 – Anadolu Agency}