The prospect of an all-English Europa League Final in 2025 is palpable after blowout wins from Manchester United and Tottenham in their first leg semifinals battles, but the venue won't change from Spain to England as a result.
Tottenham took down Bodo Glimt 3-1 in a thorough demolition of the Norwegian underdogs in front of their home fans, with a late goal from Bodo Glimt making the result look a little closer than it actually was.
Meanwhile, the up-and-down Manchester United made surprisingly light work of top-four Spanish side Athletic Club at the venerable San Mames, completely demoralizing an otherwise strong opponent in the Europa League.
Tottenham vs. Manchester United would not happen in England
These two results meant that, barring an unforeseen calamity befalling either side in the second leg next week, Tottenham and Manchester United are likely to face each other in the Europa League Final on May 21 in Bilbao, Spain at that very same venue, San Mames.
There was, however, speculation that both Premier League sides making it to the Final could sway a UEFA to make the switch to a venue in England to perhaps generate more revenue and make things easier on the fans in the country to see their teams duke it out.
However, via the Independent, UEFA confirmed that they will not renege on the initial agreement to have the city of Bilbao to host the 2025 Europa League Final at San Mames, as the city won those rights back in 2021. They also hosted the 2024 UEFA Women's Champions League Final.
Tottenham could benefit the most from the match staying in Spain
Tottenham might benefit from the fact that they game will be played in Spain. Even though they have more fans in the United Kingdom than abroad, having the game outside England will take some pressure off them. Manchester United are usually favored in tournaments over Tottenham, but because Spurs have this reputation of blowing games and haven't won a major title yet, having the match in Spain could mean less negative attention from local media and punditry.
It's a stretch, but, either way, neither team can have anything to complain about if UEFA sticks to the original agreement and keeps things outside of Spain. Things are more fair this way. Most of all, it's fair to Bilbao and Spain, as they shouldn't have the opportunity to host an intriguing Europa League Final matchup just because UEFA changes their mind on a whim on a potentially false premise of financial gain. Then again, let's not assume already that Tottenham vs. Manchester United is done and sealed either.