UEFA Europa League Final Preview: Tottenham vs. Manchester United

Next Wednesday we have quite the match across the pond in the UEFA Europa League final, as two teams from the same league battle it out with plenty on the line. The English Premier League is well represented this year in the UEL, as Tottenham and Manchester United meet in Bilbao, Spain for a chance at some hardware.

Let’s take a look at how these teams got here and what exactly is at stake in this competition. Also be sure to check out the early odds listed for the match at the best online sportsbooks.

UEFA Europa League Final Preview

Much like the UEFA Champions League, the UEL also consisted of each team playing eight matches in the league phase portion of the competition. Tottenham posted a 5-2-1 record, securing the 4th spot on the table. The Spurs then took down AZ Alkmaar in the Round of 16. After losing the first leg on the road, 1-0, they rallied at home, advancing 3-2 on aggregate.

Next up was Eintract Frankfurt, whom they took down 2-1 on aggregate after winning the second leg 1-0 on the road. Finally, they faced Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League Semifinals, beating them by two goals in both matches, winning 5-1 on aggregate and securing a spot in the final.

Manchester United finished 3rd on the table after the league phase, going unbeaten, posting a 5-3-0 record. They faced Real Sociedad in the Round of 16, beating them 5-2 on aggregate after a 4-1 thumping at Old Trafford in the second leg. Next up, they faced Lyon and we saw two thrilling matches. In France, the teams played to a 2-2 draw, but we saw nine total goals at Old Trafford in the second leg. Manchester United came out on top 5-4, advancing to the semifinals on a 7-6 aggregate score.

Finally, Manchester United absolutely dominated Athletic Club, beating them 3-0 on the road and then 4-1 at home to advance to the UEFA Europa League Final.

Two very familiar teams meet next Wednesday to settle the score.

UEL Final Matchup Information: Tottenham vs. Manchester United

• Venue & Location: San Mamés (Bilbao, Spain)
• Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
• Kick Off: 3:00 p.m. Eastern
• Broadcast: Paramount+

Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of our friends over at BetOnline as of 5/16/2025 at 2:48pm Eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250, as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.

Moneyline

• Tottenham +197
• Draw +239
• Manchester United +139

Total

• Over 2.5 (-105)
• Under 2.5 (-115)

EPL Foes Playing for More Than Just Hardware

Alright, let’s talk about what’s at stake. First off, the trophy and plenty of prize money. Woohoo, these teams don’t care too much about that, they have lots of it. They’d both rather be competing and trying to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy, but winning this match gives them a shot at doing so next year.

Regardless of where these teams finish on the EPL table this season, the Europa League winner automatically qualifies for next season’s Champions League. This is HUGE for teams who have struggled during their domestic league, and looking at both of these teams, they fit the bill.

Manchester United and Tottenham are literally as far down on the EPL table as you can go without being relegated. Man U ranks 16th, while the Spurs are 17th on the table. They both have two games remaining in league play, and both are safe from relegation. However, the highest either team could finish is 13th. That simply does not qualify for the UCL, or even the UEL. This title match is their ticket into the “Big Dance” next season, as otherwise neither would make it.

Motivation is at an all time high and I expect the best out of both clubs.

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