The UEFA Europa League or UEL final 2025 is set to light up San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on May 21, 2025, as two English clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, clash for European silverware.
These two clubs ironically performed woefully in their domestic league, making position 17th and 16th respectively. Therefore, it’s more than just a trophy at stake for them.
The winner will automatically qualify for the Champions League: the real big deal. This UEL final 2025 could define the season for both clubs and rewrite narratives around each manager’s tenure.
Road to the UEL Final For Both Teams
How did these teams get to the final?
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs have been one of the tournament’s most consistent sides, topping their group with a perfect record. Their path through the knockouts wasn’t easy:
- Round of 16: Beat AZ Alkamaar on aggregate over two legs
- Quarterfinals: Came out 2–1 on aggregate after close games with Bundesliga outfit Frankfurt.
- Semifinals: Beat Norway 2-0, making enough 5-1 aggregate against Boda to reach the finals.
For the record, Tottenham are chasing their first major European trophy since 1984.
Manchester United
It’s been a rollercoaster season for United, but their Europa League campaign has offered moments of genuine quality.
- Round of 16: Swept aside Olympiacos
- Quarterfinals: Narrowly edged past Sporting CP
- Semifinals: Took down Atalanta with a clinical second-leg performance
Despite domestic ups and downs, United know how to win in Europe. Having won the UEL in 2017, they’re no strangers to this stage.
Players to Watch
In Tottenham:
- Son Heung-min: Captain, talisman, and top scorer. Has had the goal of bringing silverware to Tottenham.
- James Maddison: The creative engine: dangerous on set pieces and through balls.
- Cristian Romero: A risk taker and warrior at the back. Proactive defender.
In Manchester United
- Bruno Fernandes: Shining star midfielder. If he clicks, United could take control.
- Rasmus Højlund: Still young but highly promising and has a mindblowing record.
- André Onana: Has topnotch confidence on the ball with impressive distribution skills.
Prediction: Who Takes the Trophy?
It’s a tough call. United have the experience and arguably more match-winners, but Tottenham look more balanced and determined this season.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Manchester United (after extra time)
Spurs may finally break their trophy drought with a late winner, perhaps fitting for a season where they’ve shown new resilience.
Final Info at a Glance
- Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 20:00 CET / 7 PM UK
- Venue: San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao, Spain
- Watch Live On: BT Sport (UK), Paramount+ (US), SuperSport (Africa), or check your local listings
If Spurs win, it’ll be their first ever UEFA Europa League title. The last time they won (in 1984), it was named UEFA cup, not UEFA Europa League. For United, it would be their second Europa crown, the first coming under José Mourinho in 2017.
