This season saw Southampton, Ipswich, and Leicester relegated from the Premier League. Positioned just above them in the standings are two teams poised to vie for the Europa League trophy and a chance at next season’s Champions League, as they meet tonight in the vibrant Basque Country.

Tottenham and Manchester United, both formidable in the second-tier UEFA competition, will clash for the European title at 21:00, with San Mames in Bilbao serving as the backdrop for this crucial matchup.

The victor at the “cathedral” of Atleti will rescue their season, allowing past setbacks and disappointments to fade away, while the beaten side will face challenging times ahead…

Can Spurs Finally Capture the Trophy?

Tottenham returns to a major European final for the first time in six years, once again against a domestic rival and once more in Spain. This time around, hope is high for a different outcome.

Spurs previously made it to the Champions League final in 2019, only to fall to Liverpool in Madrid. That defeat perpetuated the club’s long-standing trophy drought, with their last major win being the English League Cup in 2008; in over 40 years, Tottenham has reached a cup final only three times.

– It’s widely known that signing with Tottenham means you might end your career without a trophy – said Miki van de Ven, a defender for the London club.

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The European titles claimed by Tottenham include two in the Europa League (formerly UEFA Cup) in 1972 and 1984, along with one in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963.

His teammates and coach Ainge Postecoglou are committed to changing that narrative.

– When we arrived, we expressed our desire to instigate change at this club, and our current aim is to achieve that in Bilbao. Securing a win would represent a significant milestone for us. We understand we represent a great club, and Tottenham deserves to win titles – the Dutch footballer stated.

Postecoglou, who might face job uncertainty if Tottenham loses, shared a message with the fans.

– We’ve given them tangible hope and something to aspire to, indicating that we can accomplish something special this year.

The Undefeated Devils – A Trophy Would Mean Everything

The tumultuous years for United are now behind them; they have long yearned for a Premier League title since the era of Alex Ferguson. However, they found success in other competitions, winning the Europa League in 2017. This season has proven particularly challenging, and while expectations accompanied the arrival of Rubena Amorima, results in the domestic league have fallen short.

Nonetheless, Europe presents a different landscape, with United reaching the final as the only undefeated team across all UEFA competitions.

– If we don’t secure victory in the final, then our journey here won’t hold meaning – Amorim made his stance clear.

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Manchester United boasts a total of three European titles: three in the Champions League (1968, 1999, 2008), one in the Europa League (2017), and one in the Cup Winners’ Cup (1991).

This marks Manchester United’s third Europa League final in the last eight years — they secured victory against Ajax in 2017, while they fell to Villarreal in 2021. A new triumph could transform much within “The Theater of Dreams.”

– This season has been arduous for everyone, marked by results and coaching changes that are noticeably felt. However, we are actively working to enhance. The atmosphere shifts when we prep for Europa League matches; that’s when the excitement becomes palpable – remarked the Portuguese manager.

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Total points earned by Tottenham (38) and United (39) this season in the Premier League, lower than the champions Liverpool’s total of 83.

Whether Tottenham or Manchester United emerges victorious, a European title would greatly elevate their season.

Projected Lineups: Tottenham: Vicario – Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogi – Sarr, Bissuma, Bentancur – Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison.

Manchester United: Onana – Joro, De Ligt, Maguire – Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu – Diallo, Fernandes, Hoylund.

The Teams That Gave England Its First European Trophies

Although they may be distant from European elites in recent years, Tottenham and Manchester United have a rich history in English football beyond their home shores.

North London’s club was the first to secure a European trophy, winning the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963 against Atletico Madrid.

Five years later, United became the first English club to triumph in the Champions League (formerly European Cup) by defeating Benfica. Notably, that same year, Leeds also made history by reaching the European trophy in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, now known as the Europa League.

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