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When and where is the Europa League final? As Man Utd and Spurs book their spot

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When and where is the Europa League final? As Man Utd and Spurs book their spot - Daily Star
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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have booked their spot in the Europa League final as both teams navigated semi-finals clashes with Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt

It will be an all-English affair in the far north of Spain later this month.

Manchester United are set to return to Bilbao after a second-half flourish saw them overcome Athletic Bilbao after the Basque side had threatened an unlikely comeback.

In the far frozen north, Spurs battled Bodo/Glimt and the conditions for their spot in sunny Spain later this month. Bodo have claimed some scalps above the Arctic Circle, and they went into the game 3-1 down on aggregate.

However, there would be no comeback in Norway as Ange Postecoglou's side ran out 2-0 winners.

And Daily Star Sport has all the information for the final later this month.

When and where is the final?

The Europa League Final will take place at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.

United fans will feel right at home after their recent jaunt to the Basque region for the first-leg of the Europa League semi-final earlier this month.

This marks the first time the arena will host a Men's European final, following its stint as the venue for last season's Women's Champions League final.

UEFA approved the stadium to host both events as a consolation prize after it missed out on hosting matches at the EURO 2020 Championships.

What time is the final set to start?

The final is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm at the San Mamés Stadium.

Will the match be televised?

Yes, the match will be broadcast live on TV through various broadcast partners worldwide. In the UK it will be shown on TNT Sports.

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Tottenham Hotspur and Watford midfielder who played until he was 55 dies

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Ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Watford midfielder who played until he was 55 dies

Ex-Tottenham and Watford star Dennis Bond has died at the age of 77 as his boyhood club Spurs paid tribute to their former midfielder

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Watford midfielder Dennis Bond has died aged 77.

Bond began his career at Watford in 1964, with the midfielder later joining Tottenham in 1967 and Charlton Athletic in 1970 before returning to Watford two years later, where he played until 1977.

Spurs led the tributes to their former player with a statement on social media which read: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former midfielder Dennis Bond at the age of 77.

"The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Dennis’ friends and family at this impossibly sad time."

Bond, who grew up in Walthamstow, played 27 times and scored once for his boyhood club Spurs, but he spent the majority of his playing days at Vicarage Road, playing 301 games and scoring 42 goals for the Hornets.

The midfielder officially hung up his boots at the age of 55 after featuring for Boreham Wood, Waltham Abbey and Potters Bar Town.

Bond signed for Spurs for £30,000, a record fee for Watford at the time. He went on to play for the Lilywhites in the Cup Winners’ Cup.

In an interview with the Hornets, he spoke of his pride in featuring for Tottenham in Europe, he said: “It was a big game but the way the manager spoke to us calmed us all down and so by the time we went out it was just another game of football. By having us all relaxed we enjoyed our football a lot more.”

Fans took to social media to pay their own tributes to Bond. One user wrote: “Rest in peace,” as a second echoed: “RIP Dennis.” A third fan wrote: “Awful news. Rest in peace.” While a fourth added: “Rest in peace legend.”

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Dion Dublin says 'I'll take him outside' after Spurs fan calls him a 'w*nker' on live TV

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Dion Dublin joked he'd take a fan outside during the BBC's Match of the Day coverage of Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur's FA Cup clash after he was called a "w*nker"

Dion Dublin joked he'd take a fan outside live on national TV.

Dublin was on punditry duty for the BBC as Tottenham crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Aston Villa. And Spurs fans were left less than impressed at half-time.

Knocking could be heard on the studio window as Joe Hart, Dion Dublin and Jermaine Defoe all tried to catch a glimpse of the culprit. New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman said: "They're angry behind at that first half... take us through that Dion."

However, Chapman was cut off by the x-rated comment from the fan - only for Dublin to respond: "I'l take him outside!" Laughter erupted in the studio as Chapman added: "You do that and I'll be just behind you!"

Spurs were a goal down at the break, after Jacob Ramsey had fired Villa ahead in the opening minute.

Aston Villa, with new signing Marcus Rashford on the bench, were in the ascendancy - and it didn't take long for them to have their second after the break.

Morgan Rogers was on target for the second as Villa cruised into the fifth round of the cup. Tottenham's fight back only took shape in added time when new signing Mathys Tel bundled the ball home.

It's another blow for Spurs boss Postecoglou, who admitted to the BBC Spurs are struggling with injuries: "Nothing really changes. We have a couple of weeks now where we don't have midweek games.

"This group has done an unbelievable job for two and a half months. I can't praise them enough, playing twice a week since November. They'll get the chance to reset now and finish the season strong.

"Europe is still very important to us, we're still in a great spot there, and we'll hope to get some players back over the next two weeks.

"We'll get players back which will help, we had 11 first-team players out today. Take that out of any team for one game and they would struggle - we've been doing that for two and a half months.

"The players are going out there and giving everything they can. It would be a lot better if they had some help."

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Man Utd talent and striker linked as struggles continue

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Tottenham transfer news: Ex-Man Utd talent and striker linked as struggles continue

As Tottenham’s struggles on the pitch continue both in terms of form and injuries, player arrivals have become paramount in North London heading into the final week of the window

Tottenham Hotspur have less than a week to potentially save their season as the January transfer window enters its final days.

Ange Postecoglou brought in goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague earlier this month due to Guglielmo Vicario’s injury being one of many that the Aussie manager is having to contend with.

But with just days left of the window, Postecoglou will surely be looking to add more reinforcements to his depleted and struggling squad.

Here's the latest transfer talk from the Tottenham Stadium.

Goal-shy striker targeted

With Dominic Solanke sidelined and more firepower wanted by Postecoglou, Spurs are reportedly interested in signing Ajax striker Brian Brobbey.

According to the Record, Spurs are edging closer to a deal for the 22-year-old Dutchman. However, Brobbey’s form in front of goal is far from convincing and unlikely to be a signing that would excite Spurs fans.

Brobbey has scored just once in 17 Eredivisie games this season and only two goals in ten Europa League games across qualifying and the league phase. The former RB Leipzig striker has found himself before ex-Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom and Manchester United flop Wout Weghorst.

Angel Gomes

Speaking of former United players, Spurs are said to be interested in signing England international Angel Gomes.

Gomes is a man in demand, with his old club and Newcastle United both linked with his signature, and he could be a free agent come the summer with his deal at Lille expiring at the end of June.

The 24-year-old made his England senior debut last year and has impressed in various roles in the middle of the park.

Timo Werner

One player who could be on his way out of north London and the Premier League is Timo Werner. The versatile German forward has been out of form and is now subject to interest from MLS side New York Red Bulls.

The 28-year-old is on loan at Spurs from RB Leipzig after extending his original six-month loan spell last January until the end of the current campaign. Spurs reportedly have an £8.5million option to buy in his loan deal.

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Outrage as Tamworth FC releases 'punishing' ticket prices for Tottenham FA Cup clash

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Tamworth and Tottenham are set to take each other on during a David and Goliath showdown between clubs four divisions apart, but fans were left furious after ticket information was released online

Football fans were left outraged after Tamworth FC shared their ticket prices ahead of their FA Cup clash with Tottenham.

The Lambs are facing the club on January 12 in the third round of the FA Cup during a home match which is set to be huge. With kick off set for 12.30, this surprise appearance for Spurs will see them take on the non-league side. While the fans were happy, the release of the tickets has set off a tirade of negative comments, with dedicated Lambs feeling let down by their beloved club.

In a post shared on X, Tamworth revealed the information about how to buy the tickets through a graphic. Sponsors can purchase from December 29, club members December 30, and general sale is yet to be confirmed. Accompanying this, they shared the caption: "Please read the above information regarding the first set of criteria for our Emirates FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur FC."

However, this exciting announcement was – perhaps unexpectedly – met with plenty of backlash from followers. For the main stand, adults will have to pay £42, and £38 for terraced. Over 66s will pay a slightly discounted £37 and under 17s £34. Under 10s will cost £29, with just a few quid difference for terraced in each section.

In comparison, the Staffordshire venue holds 4,963 and seats around 500. They usually charge £18-£21 to watch a match, but appear to have charged extra for the Tottenham game.

Several fans flooded the comment section with anger, with some claiming they've been priced out of attending. One disgruntled follower replied to the post: "How short sighted are these prices. A chance to repay and respect the fans that go and support you every week, and instead you release this monstrosity. Shameful."

Another added: "29 quid for under 10’s, you having a... laugh," with laughing emojis. A third said: "I didn’t pay this much for my cup final ticket. Absolutely insane. Punishing your own fans due to the fate of a cup draw to simply line your own pockets. Disgusting."

A fourth noted: "I get it, this is an opportunity for you to make some money as it’s a huge fixture for the club, but these prices aren’t fan friendly at all."

Tamworth is one of the lowest teams left in the competition, as they currently play in the Vanarama National League, after winning and promoting from the National League North Division last season. Spurs are currently four divisions above the Lambs, and it means manager Ange Postecoglou has the chance to play reserves and reasonably progress to the fourth round of the tournament.

Adding to this, away fixtures with a mismatched club level is, according to fans, set to cause plenty of "fun," such as the five nil to Spurs game against Marine FC back in 2021.

The Daily Star has contacted Tamworth for comment.

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Harry Kane 'replacement' Randal Kolo Muani wanted by Spurs could join Arsenal or Man Utd

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Randal Kolo Muani has been told he can leave Paris Saint-Germain in January and has reportedly been offered to Arsenal and Manchester United

Tottenham might end up ruing the day their supposed Harry Kane replacement Randal Kolo Muani puts pen to paper with bitter rivals Arsenal.

The 26-year-old French forward has been slapped on the transfer list by Paris Saint-Germain as the January window approaches, after struggling to hit the heights that prompted his €75million (£64m) plus €15m (£12.2m) bonuses switch from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023. During his last Bundesliga stint, Kolo Muani banged in 23 goals and set up another 17 for Frankfurt, but his homecoming to France has seen a dip, with just 18 contributions to PSG's scoreboard. Spurs once eyed him as a potential successor to Kane.

However, he is believed to have snubbed them over their hesitation to make an official bid. Now, having fallen out of Luis Enrique's graces at PSG, Kolo Muani could be destined for pastures new, with a host of Premier League clubs linked to his signature.

Recently benched from PSG's squad list, Enrique cryptically told media last week: "I could speak about it, but I won't because my decisions say it all. Even if, as I have said, all of my decisions can be changed," reports the Mirror.

With today's premium on elite forwards, it's little wonder Kolo Muani's situation has got English clubs perking up their ears. Reports form TBR Football suggest Arsenal are in the hunt for a striker next month, and he is in their crosshairs.

Manchester United, who could potentially be dealing with the exit of Marcus Rashford, might also be in the running. It's believed a loan agreement with a compulsory purchase next summer is the most likely transfer situation.

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Ange Postecoglou hits back at Jamie Carragher fashion advice as Tottenham beat by Chelsea

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou remains defiant about his team's bold attacking tactics despite blowing a two-goal lead to lose 4-3 to Chelsea.

Spurs. stormed ahead barely 11 minutes into the match, courtesy of two blunders by Marc Cucurella, which led to Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski hitting the net. But Chelsea mounted a remarkable comeback, with Jadon Sancho firing home before Cole Palmer levelled things up with a penalty after Yves Bissouma's rash foul.

Enzo Fernandes put Chelsea in the lead, followed by a cheeky Palmer Panenka penalty after Pape Sarr's gaffe, rendering Son Heung-min's later strike nothing but a consolation. As Chelsea climbed to second spot, Spurs dropped to 11th position in the Premier League, piling on the pressure for Postecoglou.

Yet, the Tottenham boss stood firm on endorsing his philosophy of open play and aggressive pressing. "It was good enough to get us ahead in the game so I am not sure why we should change our approach," Postecoglou maintained in a chat with BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It was a game of big moments. If we score at 2-2 and go 3-2 ahead then the pressure is on them and they have to open up like we did when we conceded. But like I said, disappointing that we let them get the advantage in a way that was self-inflicted," reports the Mirror.

He remarked: "Their penalties were poor from our behalf. We didn't need to make those challenges and it was hard for us to claw it back. I think sometimes when you are in this position we are, you are desperate to do the right thing. You probably need a calmer approach. The guys are desperate to do the right thing and unfortunately it cost us."

Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, took issue with Postecoglou's steadfast tactics. "The manager keeps telling us he won't change," he observed. "I can't imagine any manager when I played for Liverpool, after conceding four goals, saying that we played well."

The ex-Reds defender added: "I wake up every morning, and if the sun's shining I put a pair of trainers, shorts and a T-shirt on, we all want to do that, but if it's raining, you put your coat on!

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What Enzo Maresca learned as Chelsea beat Spurs and send Liverpool title message

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Chelsea produced a stunning second half fightback to come from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3.

Enzo Maresca's side went 2-0 down after just 11 minutes against Tottenham, with Spurs finding the back of the net through Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski. While both goals were aided by Chelsea's Marc Cucurella, who slipped twice to gift Spurs the ball, they were excellent strikes, which Robert Sanchez had little chance of saving.

On 17 minutes, Jadon Sancho managed to grab a goal back for the Blues, who threw everything they could at Spurs in the first half in search of an equaliser. And then after the break, they levelled proceedings at 2-2 when Cole Palmer fired his penalty past Fraser Forester following a wild challenge from Yves Bissouma on Moises Caicedo.

Enzo Fernandez then put Chelsea ahead on 73 minutes with a beautiful half-volley, with Palmer then wrapping things up for Maresca's side on 84 minutes with a stunning Paneka penalty to make it 4-2. Tottenham did grab a goal back in injury time through Heung-Min Son.

But the game was effectively over - with the result moving the Blues up to second in the Premier League and within four points of Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Here are five things Maresca will have learned from the impressive comeback from his side against Tottenham...

Chelsea are in the Premier League title race

Chelsea are in the Premier League title race - and they might be the team that challenges Liverpool this season. Earlier on Sunday, Arsenal slipped up by failing to beat Fulham and drawing 1-1 at Craven Cottage on a day they could have moved four points behind the Reds, who had their Saturday game against Everton postponed due to Storm Darragh.

For a while, it looked as though Chelsea would be dropping points too against Spurs until their stunning second half fightback. During the summer Chelsea looked a mess, with players jettisoned from the first team squad and a number of new faces coming into an already packed dressing room.

What Enzo Maresca has done in under half a year at Stamford Bridge has been nothing short of spectacular. The Blues right now look to be title contenders. Yes, if Liverpool win their game in hand, then Arne Slot's side will move seven points clear of Chelsea. But Chelsea gave Liverpool a tough game at Anfield earlier this season and on their day are capable of beating anyone.

Enzo Maresca deserves all the plaudits

They may have gone 2-0 down to Spurs, but Chelsea still looked excellent going forward against Ange Postecoglou's side. Spurs' two goals were both excellent finishes from Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski- albeit aided by two slips from Marc Cucurella to gift Tottenham the ball.

Despite being two goals down, Chelsea did not rollover. In fact, they just continued to attack. They managed to grab a goal back through Jadon Sancho, who scored a wonderful strike to make it 2-1.

Then in the second half, they equalised through a Cole Palmer penalty when Yves Bissouma's reckless challenge saw him bring down Moises Caicedo inside the area. Enzo Fernandez's goal, Chelsea's third, was excellent, and Cole Palmer's second penalty - a Paneka, was magnificent.

For all the talk of chaos around Stamford Bridge this past summer, Enzo Maresca has done an unbelievable job creating a coherent side out of a messy squad, with Chelsea now Champions League contenders - as well as possibly Premier League title contenders.

Capitalised on Spurs' Spursy-ness

You just knew that when Spurs' went 2-0 up after 11 minutes there would be more goals in this game. Thankfully for neutral football fans and unfortunately for Spurs supporters, there was. And if you'd told a Spurs fan at the beginning of the game they would go 2-0 up, they would probably have told you they'd go on to lose the game.

There was a sense of unease when Jadon Sancho scored on 17 minutes, suggesting Chelsea would not go down quietly. Chelsea kept going and got their equaliser in the second half through Palmer's penalty, leaving the home crowd stunned.

Then on 73 minutes, the Blues completed their stunning comeback through Enzo Fernandez, who netted a stunning half-volley which beat Fraser Forster to make it 3-2 to Enzo Maresca's side. And in the 83rd minute, the game was ended by Palmer who netted his second spot kick with a stunning Paneka penalty

Signing Jadon Sancho was a masterstroke

Speaking of Jadon Sancho, what a signing he has turned out to be for Chelsea. His time in the Premier League looked to be all but over after falling out with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

But Maresca has done an unbelievable job in turning around Sancho's career. The winger looks full of confidence and scored an excellent goal to get Chelsea back into the game against Spurs.

With teams willing to pay millions for creative wide forwards, the fact that Chelsea will only have to pay £25million to sign Sancho permanently from Manchester United makes a mockery of the latter's decision to simply give up on the England international.

Buy Marc Cucurella some new boots

However, one negative during the Sunday afternoon action for Maresca will have been the fact the club may need to invest in some new boots for Marc Cucurella, who slipped over twice in the opening 11 minutes, gifting Spurs the ball for their two goals.

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Daniel Levy told Ange Postecoglou isn't only one to blame for Tottenham woes

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A fortnight is a long time in football. For Ange Postecoglou it must feel like a lifetime.

It was just two weeks ago when his Tottenham side had thrashed champions Manchester City and he must have felt like a king among the Spurs fanbase. Fast forward to Thursday night and he’s getting abused by some of the same supporters after a defeat at Bournemouth.

How can a side go from sticking four past the reigning title holders to drawing with Roma and Fulham before losing to the Cherries?

It has to be the style of play and it is alright going ‘but mate we are what we are’ but if he doesn’t find consistency then the axe will come down on him.

Tottenham are just a point above Manchester United, who sacked a manager a few weeks ago who had won two trophies. Now ambitions and size of the club may be different. But it should make Postecoglou worried.

Spurs fans are well aware it is not just Postecoglou’s fault. They have a big amount of injuries and that has led to the need to play Radu Dragusin, who doesn’t look up to standard in the Premier League.

They’re aware that recruitment hasn’t been great and that Daniel Levy has often made the wrong decisions in the market with players. They buy good players but then expect them to play out of their skin. Dominic Solanke is a very good Premier League player.

But if he is to fill the void left by Harry Kane, an elite striker, you can see the problem. That’s no criticism of Solanke but he is - not yet anyways - on Kane’s level. That has happened in other areas at Spurs for more than a decade. Gareth Bale was never replaced with a player who could get anywhere near his level.

Top clubs replace their best players when they leave or age. Tottenham have so often made a mess of it. But they have made some good signings under Postecoglou. Micky van de Ven is certainly a player who can be elite, if he can limit the injuries.

Postecoglou still needs to adapt to the Premier League. He has a style of play and it is electric to watch at times. Nobody is asking him to abandon his principles but tweaks here and there to ensure they’re sometimes a little harder to play against will do no harm.

If he keeps the way they’re going then the results will continue to fluctuate and even though the problems listed above will have added to that, it will be Postecoglou who pays the price with his job.

As it always is in football. Yet it might well be a decent punt to back them to beat Chelsea tomorrow. That’s the season which Spurs are having.

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