UEFA has confirmed that the 2025 UEFA Europa League final will not be relocated from Bilbao’s iconic San Mamés Stadium, even if it features an all-English encounter between Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur on May 21.
Both English clubs have taken commanding leads in their respective semi-final first legs, putting them in prime position to secure their places in the final. Manchester United delivered a dominant away performance in Spain, defeating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in what many are calling their best showing under manager Rúben Amorim. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur also impressed, earning a solid 3-1 win over Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt. Although Spurs have the advantage, a tricky return leg awaits in the challenging conditions of northern Norway.
Should both clubs complete their tasks in the second leg, fans could witness an all-English Europa League final—an enticing prospect considering both sides’ struggles in the Premier League this season. Manchester United currently sit in 14th place, while Tottenham find themselves two spots lower in 16th. For both clubs, a European trophy would represent a lifeline—an opportunity to salvage a disappointing domestic campaign and, crucially, secure automatic qualification to next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Despite the high stakes and large English fanbases, UEFA has ruled out the possibility of relocating the final to England. The decision is rooted in long-term planning: San Mamés was awarded hosting rights back in 2021, the same year UEFA selected the city to host the 2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League final. The governing body has reiterated its commitment to honoring that agreement, regardless of which teams qualify.
The San Mamés stadium, with an official capacity of 53,289, will welcome fans from across Europe, though demand will significantly exceed supply if two Premier League giants reach the final. UEFA has announced that each finalist will receive an allocation of up to 15,000 tickets. An additional 11,000 will be made available for general public sale, while the remainder will be distributed among hospitality packages, sponsors, and UEFA partners.
This approach follows a familiar pattern seen in recent years. Previous all-English European finals, such as Manchester City vs. Chelsea in 2021 (held in Porto), Liverpool vs. Tottenham in 2019 (in Madrid), and Arsenal vs. Chelsea in 2019 (in Baku), have all been staged at pre-determined neutral venues. UEFA is determined to preserve the integrity and international character of these competitions, even when both finalists come from the same country.
Athletic Bilbao had high hopes of playing a historic final on home soil, but those dreams were dashed by a ruthless Manchester United side. After Bilbao were reduced to ten men, United capitalized with a clinical performance that left the Spanish crowd stunned. On the other hand, Tottenham’s job isn’t yet complete. Ange Postecoglou’s team will need to remain cautious heading into the second leg in the Arctic Circle, especially after conceding a late goal that could give Bodo/Glimt a glimmer of hope.
As the stage is set for a thrilling climax to the Europa League campaign, the possibility of a Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur final grows stronger—though regardless of which teams make it, Bilbao will be the stage where European glory is decided.
