Tottenham will honour a century-old San Mames tradition ahead of the Europa League final, while Manchester United are exempt from the gesture despite also reaching the showpiece in Bilbao.
The countdown continues, as Tottenham Hotspur are now seven days away from taking on Manchester United in Spain at Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium.
Ruben Amorim has sent a message to Ange Postecoglou ahead of the big showdown in the final, stating that while it has been tough for both him and Postecoglou, there can be only one winner in the final and that United will try to win.
Postecoglou himself has stated that he longs to end Tottenham’s long trophy drought, admitting that it would not only be a personal achievement for him, but a collective one.
UEFA has announced a controversial referee to take charge of the final, and while Tottenham have lost one of the two games he has officiated involving them, Spurs would be hoping for victory at San Mames.
This picture shows an exterior general view of San Mames stadium in the Spanish Basque city of Bilbao, on February 12, 2020. - The all-seater footb...
Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images
Tottenham to pay respects at San Mames before Europa League final
However, it has now been revealed by The Sun that Tottenham are set to take part in a tradition ahead of the Europa League final, one that Manchester United will not be a part of.
According to the publication, there has been a tradition that has remained for 98 years to honour Athletic Bilbao icon Rafael Moreno Aranzadi, popularly known as Pichichi.
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The striker played for the Spanish outfit in the early 1900s but suddenly passed away aged 29 from typhus.
To pay respect to the late Pichichi, every side that plays at the San Mames for the first time leaves a bunch of flowers in homage ahead of kick-off.
Indeed, Spurs have never played Athletic Bilbao at their home Stadium, only facing them twice in friendlies at different locations.
For that reason, Tottenham are set to lay flowers by a bust in a special area by the players’ tunnel to commemorate Pichichi.
Why Manchester United are exempt from Pichichi tribute at San Mames
Manchester United, however, would not have to take part in this tradition because they have faced Bilbao in their home stadium on several different occasions.
The Red Devils played at Bilbao’s old stadium in 1957 and 2012. And they were at the new ground earlier this month as they knocked out Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate in this year’s semi-final.
Kick-off for the Europa League final has been scheduled for 8 pm UK time on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
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