Image Credits: Getty Images
Sadio Mane has offered brief words to compatriot Pape Matar Sarr after Tottenham managed to beat Manchester United to the Europa League title.
In a tense encounter at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Tottenham overcame Manchester United to claim their first major trophy since the 2008 League Cup and first European silverware since 1984.
Johnson’s scrappy 42nd-minute goal proved decisive in a match that highlighted both teams’ determination to salvage something from otherwise disappointing domestic campaigns.
The Welsh forward bundled the ball home three minutes before halftime after Pape Sarr swung in a cross from the left.
Johnson and Luke Shaw rushed to meet the delivery, with the ball appearing to glance off both players before finding its way past a stranded Andre Onana in the United goal.
It was a goal that reflected the scrappy nature of a final contested by two Premier League sides currently languishing near the relegation zone
The victory wasn’t secured without some dramatic defending from Tottenham. Micky van de Ven produced the standout defensive moment midway through the second half, making an acrobatic goal-line clearance to deny United’s Rasmus Højlund what seemed a certain equalizer.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also proved crucial to Spurs’ success, making excellent saves from United substitute Alejandro Garnacho and Luke Shaw in the closing stages as Manchester United threw everything forward in search of an equalizer.
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was named Player of the Match by UEFA for his commanding defensive performance.
Mohamed Salah has already congratulated Tottenham Hotspur for their achievement.
He did say he’d win in his second season. Congratulations!
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) May 21, 2025
Now Sadio Mane, posting on Instagram, has told his compatriot in Pape Matar Sarr to enjoy the special feeling:
For Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, the victory represents a significant vindication after a challenging Premier League campaign.
The Greek-Australian coach, who joined Spurs at the beginning of last season, has delivered the club’s first European trophy in 41 years despite domestic struggles.
“Honestly, I can’t find the words. I comprehend what this means for the football club and the supporters,” Postecoglou said.
“I’ve had this strong feeling in the latter half of the year—one focus, one goal. I believed this was it.”
“Achieving it today, I recognize its significance for the club. It has long been labeled a ‘nearly team,’ and the only way to change that narrative is by winning.”
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