Sports

The Year of the Underdog: How 2025 Became Football’s Most Emotional Season Yet

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2 days ago

May 21, 2025

Every once in a while, football gives us a season so full of surprises, drama, and joy that it reminds us why we love the game. The 2024/25 season was exactly that — a magical year where giants fell, underdogs rose, and long-suffering fans finally had their day in the sun.

Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable stories that made 2025 the most unforgettable season in recent memory.

🇳🇱 Go Ahead Eagles: A 92-Year Wait Ends in Glory

Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles pulled off one of the shocks of the year by lifting the KNVB Cup — their first major trophy since 1933. After a nail-biting penalty shootout win against AZ Alkmaar, the small club from Deventer wrote their name into history.

🔹 Last major trophy: 1933

🔹 2025 triumph: KNVB Cup Champions

⚫⚪ Newcastle United: Back Among the Winners After 70 Years

After decades of heartbreak and near misses, Newcastle finally brought silverware back to Tyneside. Their 2–1 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup marked their first major domestic title since 1955.

🔹 Last major trophy: 1955

🔹 2025 triumph: Carabao Cup Champions

🇮🇹 Bologna: 51 Years Later, the Red and Blue Rise Again

Italian club Bologna stunned AC Milan to win the Coppa Italia — their first major success in over five decades. With tactical discipline and inspired performances, they brought joy back to their passionate fans.

🔹 Last major trophy: 1974

🔹 2025 triumph: Coppa Italia Champions

🏴 Harry Kane: Finally, a Trophy for England’s Captain

He’s one of the greatest goal scorers of his generation, but Harry Kane had never won a major trophy — until now. In 2025, he clinched the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, putting an end to a personal drought that had become a global talking point.

🔹 Trophy wait: 31 years (his entire professional career)

🔹 2025 triumph: Bundesliga Champion

🦅 Crystal Palace: From Mid-table to FA Cup Legends

Crystal Palace pulled off the unthinkable — beating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final to win the first major trophy in the club’s history. Eberechi Eze’s stunning goal sealed the fairy tale and sent Selhurst Park into dreamland.

🔹 First-ever major trophy

🔹 2025 triumph: FA Cup Champions

⚪ Tottenham Hotspur: 17 Years of Waiting Over

Spurs fans have endured their fair share of heartbreak, but 2025 finally brought relief and reward. Tottenham beat Manchester United 1–0 in the UEFA Europa League final, earning their first major title since 2008.

🔹 Last major trophy: 2008 (League Cup)

🔹 2025 triumph: UEFA Europa League Champions

The Underdog Spirit: Alive and Well

In a sport often dominated by the same elite clubs, 2025 was a breath of fresh air. It showed us that persistence, belief, and passion still matter. From quiet corners of Europe to massive stadiums under the spotlight, this season was a victory for the dreamers.

🔔 If you’re a fan who’s waited years (or decades) for your club to lift a trophy — don’t give up. If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that anything is possible in football.

📣 What was your favorite underdog story this season? Share it in the comments below or tag us on social media using #YearOfTheUnderdog

Related Topics:Bologna Crystal Palace Go Ahead Eagles Harry Kane Newcastle The Year Of The Underdog Tottenham Hotspur

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Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Dominates Manchester United in a Season to Remember

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Tottenham player ratings vs Manchester United: Micky van de Ven commanding as Spurs win Europa League

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Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Dominates Manchester United in a Season to Remember

Published

2 days ago

May 21, 2025

AladdynKing

The 2024/25 football season will be remembered by Tottenham Hotspur fans as one of their greatest ever — especially when it comes to their fierce rivalry with Manchester United. Under the astute management of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs didn’t just compete with the Red Devils; they dominated them across all competitions, culminating in a historic Europa League triumph.

Four Meetings, Four Victories

It’s rare for a team to beat the same opponent four times in a single season — rarer still when that opponent is a club of Manchester United’s stature. Yet, that’s exactly what Tottenham achieved in 2025:

Premier League: Manchester United 0-3 Tottenham

Premier League: Tottenham 4-3 Manchester United

League Cup: Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United

Europa League Final: Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United (🏆)

This marked the first time in nearly 40 years that Manchester United lost four times to the same opponent in one season — a statistic that underlines the magnitude of Tottenham’s dominance.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tactical Masterclass

Postecoglou’s Spurs combined relentless attacking football with tactical discipline and defensive resilience. Their ability to control games against Manchester United — a team usually known for its competitive fire — was remarkable. The 3-0 away win at Old Trafford set the tone early, while the thrilling 4-3 home victory showcased their fighting spirit and attacking prowess.

The two narrow 1-0 victories, especially the one in the Europa League final, highlighted Tottenham’s capacity to perform under pressure and execute winning strategies on the biggest stages.

What This Means for Both Clubs

For Tottenham, the season was a clear statement of intent. Winning the Europa League and consistently besting one of England’s giants boosted their confidence and raised their profile in European football.

For Manchester United, the results signal a need to rethink strategies and rebuild to reclaim their dominance domestically and in Europe.

Looking Ahead

The 2024/25 season will be talked about for years as the year Tottenham outshined Manchester United — both in England and on the continent. With Ange Postecoglou at the helm, Spurs have set a new benchmark for success and rivalry dominance.

Fans React

The Tottenham fanbase erupted with joy, while Manchester United supporters were left reflecting on what went wrong. Social media was flooded with reactions, memes, and tributes to the “year of the underdog.”

⚽ How do you think both clubs will approach next season? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Sports

Tottenham player ratings vs Manchester United: Micky van de Ven commanding as Spurs win Europa League

Published

2 days ago

May 21, 2025

AladdynKing

Brennan Johnson is the hero for Tottenham, scoring the only goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Star man: Micky van de Ven

Tottenham Hotspur were crowned Europa League champions after a scrappy 1-0 win over Manchester United here in Bilbao.

Brennan Johnson bundled home the only goal of a low-quality final on 42 minutes, meeting Pape Matar Sarr’s cross with help from Luke Shaw’s arm.

The closest United came to an equaliser was a Rasmus Hojlund header spectacularly hooked off the line by Micky van de Ven.

Spurs defended resolutely through the final 25 minutes and held on to win a first European trophy in 41 years.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players at San Mames…

Guglielmo Vicario 8

Stepped up when needed, drawing a fine, one-handed save from Alejandro Garnacho and saving from Shaw in stoppage-time. Otherwise unconvincing, and fumbed a high ball which led to a huge chance for Hojlund, only for van de Ven to clear spectacularly.

Pedro Porro 7

His delivery from open play and set pieces was always a threat in a game conscipuously lacking good technicians.

Cristian Romero 8

Outstanding in another final, sweeping up United’s attacks and setting the tone with his aggression. He was lucky, though, that Bruno Fernandes headed wide after he was drawn out of defence in the second half.

Micky van de Ven 9

Saved a certain goal when he leapt to clear Hojlund’s header from the goal-line. Composed and commanding at the back again.

Destiny Udogie 7

Amad Diallo stretched him down the right but he made a crucial tackle to deny the winger in a dangerous position in the second half and was an outlet on the counter.

Rodrigo Bentancur 7

Kept it simple at the base of midfield. The Uruguayan has been one of Postecoglou’s most trusted lieutenants during this European campaign.

Yves Bissouma 8

Mopped upped in front of the back four impressively and occasionally opened up the game with his passing.

Pape Matar Sarr 7

He was under pressure to provide some creativity and delivered with the cross for the opening goal.

Brennan Johnson 8

Claimed the opening goal, as well he might after a dart to the near post. Unsettled Shaw from the off with his pressing and direct running.

Goalscorer: Brennan Johnson

AFP via Getty Images

Dominic Solanke 7

Starved of proper service but did his bit to occupy United’s back three, especially Harry Maguire, allowing Spurs to profit from the second balls.

Richarlison 8

Worked tirelessly for the team in an excellent, selfless display from the left, justifying his selection ahead of Heung-min Son.

Subs

Heung-min Son (Richarlison 67’) 6

Largely played a defensive role, as Spurs held on to see out the win.

Kevin Danso (Johnson 79’) 7

Enable Spurs to move to a back five for the final 10 minutes plus stoppages and made a couple of important interventions.

Archie Gray (Sarr 90’) 6

Provided fresh legs for stoppage-time and deserved an appearance after his efforts this term.

Djed Spence (Udogie 90’) 6

Filled in at left-back for stoppage-time and was disciplined.

Not used: Austin, Whiteman, Tel, Odobert, Davies, Scarlett, Moore, Ajayi.

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Football

Tottenham Triumphs in Bilbao: Grit and Defense Seal Europa League Glory Over Manchester United

Published

2 days ago

May 21, 2025

AladdynKing

Date: 21 May 2025

Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain

Attendance: 49,924

Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)

Tottenham Hotspur clinched their third UEFA Europa League title with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the final at San Mamés. The match was a testament to Spurs’ resilience and defensive solidity, securing their first major trophy since the 2008 League Cup and ending a 17-year trophy drought.

Match Summary

The only goal of the match came in the 42nd minute. Pape Matar Sarr delivered a cross from the left wing, which Brennan Johnson attempted to connect with at the near post. The ball deflected off United’s Luke Shaw and into the net, past goalkeeper André Onana, in what was officially recorded as an own goal. Despite Manchester United’s dominance in possession, Tottenham managed to hold onto their lead.

In the second half, United intensified their efforts. Rasmus Højlund had a chance to equalize, but Tottenham’s defender Micky van de Ven made a crucial goal-line clearance to preserve the lead. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also made key saves to maintain the clean sheet.

Key Statistics

Possession: Manchester United 73% – Tottenham Hotspur 27%

Shots on Target: Manchester United 6 – Tottenham Hotspur 1

Saves: Guglielmo Vicario 5 – André Onana 0

Corners: Manchester United 5 – Tottenham Hotspur 4

Post-Match Reactions

Manager Ange Postecoglou expressed pride in his team’s performance, highlighting their tactical discipline and defensive organization. The victory not only secured silverware but also a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, marking a significant achievement for the club.

For Manchester United, the loss was a setback, but manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the team’s efforts and the competitive nature of the final. Despite the defeat, United’s journey to the final was commendable, showcasing resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

This victory for Tottenham Hotspur is a historic moment for the club, marking their third Europa League title and a return to Europe’s premier competition, the UEFA Champions League.