Tottenham Hotspur

Gallery | Europa League trophy scenes!  Tottenham Hotspur

It was 'Johnson again', but on the biggest of stages as we achieved UEFA Europa League glory on a wonderful night in Bilbao on Wednesday.

Our Wales international forward Brennan Johnson wrote his name into Club folklore with the winning goal three minutes before half-time as we defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the showpiece final to claim our first European title in 41 years and our first major trophy since 2008.

Some of the heroes of that famous night against Anderlecht in 1984 watched proudly on from the stands at San Mames Stadium as Ange Postecoglou's men became legends in their own right, putting to one side a disappointing domestic season to complete a fantastic European campaign on the highest of highs.

We had to defend resolutely to see out the win, as we have done before in this run, Micky van de Ven producing an incredible goal-line clearance from Rasmus Hojlund in the second half which was as good as a goal while his centre-back comrade Cristian Romero, captain from the start with Heung-Min Son on the bench, was named Player of the Match by UEFA.

Guglielmo Vicario's excellent saves from United substitute Alejandro Garnacho and Luke Shaw late in the game typified our resilience as we stood firm to register our fourth win over the Red Devils this term - this one by far the most important as it led to a trophy and a coveted place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

In truth, we didn't create a lot in the forward areas although Dominic Solanke's tireless running was as always a key part of our game with Richarlison also a useful outlet on the left. He'd got the nod to start as we made one enforced change from the second leg of the semi-final at Bodo/Glimt as Pape Matar Sarr - who provided the cross for Johnson's goal - replaced the injured Dejan Kulusevski.

Pedro Porro almost found the Brazil international with a delicious early cross but Noussair Mazraoui intervened with a fine defensive header to deny us. Moments later, Johnson broke in behind after latching onto a loose ball out wide and after his low drive across from the right was parried out by Andre Onana, Sarr's shot was blocked by Harry Maguire.

United's best chance of the first half fell to Amad Diallo on 16 minutes after Vicario had swiped away a corner, but he fired across goal and wide from a tight angle. There was a stop-start nature to the game at times as a couple of players found themselves on the deck and you sensed it would take something out of the ordinary to break the deadlock.

That duly happened on 42 minutes as Richarlison's clever pass in to Rodrigo Bentancur saw the midfield lay the ball out wide to the left for Sarr, his cross was met by a glancing touch from Johnson, the ball then hit Luke Shaw and Johnson was able to stick out a flailing leg to scoop it inside the post, despite Onana's efforts to keep it out. The young man's face said it all as he wheeled away to celebrate in front of our delirious supporters.

United were more of a threat after the break and caused us a few problems, but we always found an answer. Rasmus Hojlund's stooping header sailed wide, Vicario spilled Bruno Fernandes' free-kick but saw Solanke hook away the danger and Diallo was denied by a superb tackle in the box from the outstanding Yves Bissouma. We broke away on the counter after that and ended up with two against two, but Solanke couldn't quite bring Destiny Udogie's square ball under control and the chance slipped away.

United had a key chance on 68 minutes when Vicario fumbled a long ball and Hojlund sent a header looping over him towards goal from a central position, but van de Ven was there with an acrobatic, heroic goal-line clearance to preserve our advantage. United skipper Fernandes subsequently steered a stooping header wide before Garnacho burst in from the left and fired towards the far post, only for Vicario to turn his shot away brilliantly down to his left.

We brought on defender Kevin Danso for Johnson to further shore things up, although he almost made an impact at the other end with five minutes to go, hurling himself at a free-kick delivered by captain Heung-Min Son, who had earlier replaced Richarlison, but he couldn't guide the ball on target from a tricky position.

United threw everything at us in the closing stages. Joshua Zirkzee's shot was blocked by Bissouma, Danso crucially got his head to Diallo's dangerous cross and Shaw sent a header towards goal from the centre of the box in another big chance, but again Vicario was there to keep it out. In the final seconds, Bissouma glanced a corner away and Garnacho fired into the side-netting - and that was that!

We can confirm the starting line-ups and substitutes for tonight’s huge UEFA Europa League Final against Manchester United in Bilbao.

Ange Postecoglou has made one enforced change from our most recent outing in this competition, the second leg of the semi-final against Bodo/Glimt just under a fortnight ago, as Pape Matar Sarr starts in midfield in place of the injured Dejan Kulusevski.

That means that Cristian Romero captains the team tonight, with Heung-Min Son on the bench. Richarlison starts in the front line alongside Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson.

It’s 10 changes from our last game at Aston Villa on Friday, with Sarr the only player to retain his place in the starting line-up.

Our full line-up is as follows...

Starting XI: Vicario, Pedro Porro, Romero (c), van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr, Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison.

Substitutes: Austin, Whiteman, Spence, Danso, Davies, Gray, Moore, Ajayi, Odobert, Tel, Son, Scarlett.

Opponents Manchester United line up as follows, with our former midfielder Christian Eriksen among their substitutes...

Starting XI: Onana, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw, Mazraoui, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes (c), Dorgu, Diallo, Hojlund, Mount.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Lindelof, Zirkzee, Eriksen, Garnacho, Dalot, Ugarte, Heaven, J Evans, Mainoo, Amass, Collyer.

A-Z with Lenna Gunning-Williams  Tottenham Hotspur

Captain Heung-Min Son spoke to the media at our press conference at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Wednesday night’s showpiece UEFA Europa League Final against Manchester United.

Sat alongside Pedro Porro at the top table, here’s a look at some of the things the forward had to say as we edge closer to this huge game...

Sonny on the chance to win silverware after 10 years here

“It will be very special and it will be obviously a historic moment. I’ve been here 10 years and I just want to win the trophy which nobody has done while I’ve been here during those 10 years. Tomorrow is going to be a massive day for obviously the club first of all, and for the boys and obviously for me as well.”

Sonny on the players’ recent barbeque at the Training Centre

“It was very important that everybody was together, having a good time, spending time together and just talking about their lives and it felt like we were getting even closer, you know, but I mean, especially this season, which has been such a tough season, we’ve been always together, we stuck together and that’s why we are here. I think there’s one last step left, so we’ve got to make it.”

Sonny on the support of fans in Korea during the early hours

“I really appreciate that they are supporting me or us, in the morning, in the night-time, late night time or early night time. They are always here and they’re always supporting us and as I say all the time, I want to give them something back and tomorrow I hope I can give some of them my smile and then the trophy and a historic moment that we’ll never forget. I hope we can enjoy it together and celebrate it together.”

Sonny on his match fitness after his recent return from a foot injury

“I’m ready. I’m obviously back from injury and it was my first game against Crystal Palace and then I played against Villa around 70 minutes, I didn’t expect to play that long but I was managing to play. Physically I’m ready, ready to go, and also the boys are ready to go for the biggest game of the season.”

Sonny on starting the Champions League Final in 2019 and what he can take from that painful experience

“Ben Davies is still here as well, so don’t forget about his commitment and his work rate. It’s going to be a huge, huge moment for both of us and also for the boys if we win it. As we always say, the first step is going to be really hard, but if you win that trophy, we can change the mentality, we can change the history and hopefully we can continue to compete for another trophy.”

Sonny on whether he’s spoken to Harry Kane after his Bundesliga title victory with Bayern Munich

“Obviously, everybody knows that Harry is my best mate and also it was a huge honour playing alongside him, but after he won the first title, we had a chat about his trophy, but yes, I mean, he’s already on holiday, so he won’t want to text me! He doesn’t have to text me, so I just concentrate on myself with the boys and obviously Harry will be the biggest Spurs fan tomorrow. I’m definitely sure that he’ll be supporting us from holiday.”

Sonny on the importance of avoiding a bad start like in 2019

“I still don’t think it was handball! We can’t change it. Every game is the same, the first 15 minutes are hugely important to get a game tempo, game rhythm, it’s hugely important. I will especially mention to the boys that it’s important we start well to get our confidence.”

Sonny on whether it feels special to face Manchester United this time, having faced them three times before during the season

“Obviously it is special. It doesn’t matter who we play against, it is a special stage, a special tournament and to reach the final, it has never been free. It’s going to be a special game, a very tough game, a difficult game but we just have to do our things, concentrate on ourselves and we’ll see what happens.”

Sonny on whether he must take this chance to win something at this stage of his Spurs career

“The future, we never know. We might play next year in the Champions League or we might play, I don’t know, we might play in a final. We never know, obviously. The chance that I have now is real. It is a fact, tomorrow is a final and the Europa League final. Let’s just say that I’m not thinking about anything else. This could be my last chance or another chance, but I just want to concentrate on tomorrow, concentrate on winning and lifting the trophy with the boys and celebrate together.”

Sonny on the differences to 2019 and the Champions League Final

“Six years ago, I played my first final at professional level and it was very nervous moments and very exciting moments. But I was very nervous and couldn’t believe I was in the Champions League Final. Six years after, obviously, I’m a grown man and experienced and I just want to prepare in my way, calm. There have been changes, so many years, so many different players, and also my role has changed from just a player to the captain of this Club, leader of the boys and I just want to help the boys to lift it together. That is my dream. Tomorrow, I hope we can make a historic day that I will never forget.”

Sonny on whether he can focus on Europe despite our Premier League form

“Yes, in the league, definitely where we are now obviously is unacceptable but I don’t want to think about now that things are not good. It is not the right time to think about it. As I said in previous press conferences, we are here and reaching the final, you have to beat some good teams as well. You have to travel to away games, you have to make difficult games, you have to be disciplined and you have to have belief in yourself, which we did and that’s why we are in the final. We can change the bad season in the league with a trophy and Spurs are just missing the trophy. Some seasons we have been outstanding, we have been in the Champions League, we were finishing second but still we were missing something. This year we can change that, so tomorrow, I hope we can change that.”

Sonny on what he has said to the less-experienced members of the squad

“I don’t need to motivate them because it’s a final and everybody will know how important that is. Everybody will be there to get excited. It will be just telling them we need to be together, to stay calm, to do the right things and the game will be in our hands. Obviously I still haven’t talked to the boys to get more motivation, but I will definitely talk to the boys about my experience, about my real experiences and we will see what is going to happen. I hope tomorrow is a fun day.”

Watch | Sonny and Pedro Porro's press conference in Bilbao

Manchester United have three players back from injury and in contention for our UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao on Wednesday night (8pm UK).

Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee have all travelled out to Spain after training in Manchester earlier on Tuesday.

That means that Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are the only two United players sidelined for the showdown at Estadio de San Mamés.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Bilbao earlier this evening, United boss Ruben Amorim said: "They recover quite well. They push, of course, and we have to respect the feeling of the player, but we push a little bit, as they wanted to be part of the team. That is a very good sign.

"Very good for us. Of course, they are limited in the minutes for the game but they can help us win the game. De Ligt is out."

Ange Postecoglou spoke to the media at Athletic Club Bilbao's Estadio de San Mamés on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Europa League Final against Manchester United (8pm UK).

Here's what he had to say...

Ange on team news...

"It's pretty much the same as last week, Lucas Bergvall isn't available, so pretty much same as we were last week."

Ange on his impact over 100 matches (which falls on Wednesday)...

"It's hard to contextualise the challenges of the last couple of years. From my perspective, I came into the club with some pretty clear objectives, what the priorities were at the club, and tried as hard as I can to stick to that process of getting the club in a position where they could challenge for trophies, at the same time, rejuvenate the squad and change the playing style. It's been a fair assignment, plenty of challenges along the way, but with such a big game tomorrow, there is an opportunity to fulfil the main task, which is to bring trophies to the club."

Ange on Pape Matar Sarr's fitness...

"He's fine."

Ange on the squad's pre-Bilbao BBQ at Hotspur Way...

"That was player driven. I'm an Aussie, so I'd never say 'no' to a barbeque! You wouldn't have to twist my arm! The players felt it was the right time to have a relaxed afternoon together. Unfortunately, I had my commitments with you (media) guys, so I missed the best of it. The sacrifices I make..."

Ange on what would be the biggest thing - winning the trophy or qualifying for the Champions League...

"It's a great prize and you know the significance of Champions League qualification, and what it means for every football club. There are obvious benefits, you also get the opportunity to play against the best on the continent. But, the club has been in the Champions League before. We haven't won a trophy for a long time, so that's most important."

Ange on the 'fine line' between UEL/Premier League...

"That depends on your outlook, but I'll tell you one thing, irrespective of tomorrow, I'm not a clown, never will be, and really disappointed you used such terminology about a person who, for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, has worked his way into a position where he's leading his club out in the final of a major European competition. To suggest us not being successful means I'm a clown, I'm not really sure how to answer that question."

Ange on having beaten United three times already this season - does that bring pressure or confidence...

"Maybe because it's a final, those things aren't important. If we'd have lost all three games the question would be about pressure not having beaten them. What I do know is, and I've been in this situation a few times in my career, in the big games, even your form going into it, it doesn't matter. What matters is how the players cope with the occasion, how they cope with understanding the importance of the game, both clubs, you just don't know how players will react to such a big occasion. My role in that is to prepare the players in the best possible way, also, to prepare them for Manchester United to be at their best. If you prepare that way, go out there and play to the potential you have, you give yourselves an opportunity. I don't think it really matters what you've done before when it comes to big games. In a big, important final, everything is decided on the day."

Ange on if this will be his penultimate game - and if it matters...

"Does it matter? It doesn't, because the reality of it is that the opportunity is the same for me, and more importantly, for the club. Whatever happens beyond tomorrow is kind of irrelevant, when you think about the opportunity that exists right now, and that is to provide something special for this football club, supporters and everyone who has worked so hard, not just this year, but for the last 15 years it's been since a trophy and 41 years since a European trophy."

Ange on Richarlison...

"He's had a tough time, Richy, never had a stretch of games. That's been very tough on him, physically and emotionally. He's in a really good place now, physically, he's worked really hard. He plays with so much passion and determination. Every time he plays he gives 100%. He has quality as well, and it's great to have him in the team. He provides something different to our other attacking players. He's already made a difference for us in the Europa League, particularly in the semi-final. I'm really pleased for him, for all the difficult times he's had, he's now in a place where he's fit, available and excited to be contributing."

Ange of being the first Australian/Greek to manage in a European final...

"I'm very proud of that because it's kind of what I was saying before, for me to be in this position where I've come from... I was born in Greece, I'm a very proud Greek. My father made sure that I understood where our roots were and what it means to be Greek, and I've carried that through my whole life. I grew up in Australia, on the other side of the world where football, unfortunately, wasn't a prominent sport, but my father, he took his love of football from Greece to Australia and he worked really, really hard, as I've said before many times, my mum and my dad, they left their home country, their family, everything they knew for their kids, for me. I hold that dear to my heart. He's not with me today, but he is with me all the time. I love being Greek, I love being in Greece, it's I think where I'll retire one day, and I love that I grew up in a country in Australia where, even though football wasn't a big sport, when you grow up in Australia, you also have the attitude when it comes to sport, you'll take on anyone, it doesn't matter how big or small they are and I'm proud of my roots in both."

Ange on Heung-Min Son...

"It's massive to get Sonny back. We were a little bit worried when he picked up the injury because we just weren’t sure how long he would be out for, but he worked so hard to make sure he was back. Really pleased the other night to see him play 60 , 70 minutes and you could see his sharpness coming back. He’s just so important to the group, and he is so important as a leader. He is such an important figure at this football club and it’s a big motivation and driver for all of us, including me, to give him a trophy that his career deserves. Again, he is a guy who has come from the other side of the world. Not many players have come from Asian and stayed in the Premier League, the top league in the world, for so long and maintained that excellence. It would be great to cap that off with a trophy for him. He knows and we all know that we have still got to do the work. He’s been in this position before obviously in the Champions League final, so he has that experience, and I'm sure he will pass that onto the players."

Ange on if he's addressed his future with the players...

"No, because I think, again, that would not be really helpful with what is before us right now. I’ve said to the lads from day one, nothing is guaranteed in life, nothing is guaranteed in sport. You just need to try and make sure you take every opportunity before you. That’s what I have done my whole career. I’ve been in this position before where the big game was the last game I managed. It’s not unusual territory for me. I have always navigated it pretty well because, for me, nothing is more important than my responsibility for this football club and its fans that tomorrow me, the players, our minds is only on one thing and that is to create something special."

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Lucas Bergvall is not available for the UEFA Europa League Final and that the squad going into Wednesday's showpiece is 'pretty much the same as last week'.

Lucas has not recovered in time from an ankle injury sustained in training just before the first leg of our semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.

Ange also confirmed that Pape Matar Sarr 'is fine' after departing early from Sunday's Premier League clash at Villa 'feeling his back'.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference from Estadio de San Mames on Wednesday afternoon, Ange said: "Team news is pretty much the same, Lucas is now available, so we're pretty much the same as we were last week."

That means Lucas remains out alongside James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and Dane Scarlett.

Our run to the UEFA Europa League Final has seen key players produce some key moments, but there have also been some special nights for a handful of our Academy starlets over the course of the campaign.

From first starts to breakthrough goals, debuts and even – unfortunately – a red card, our youngsters have come up with some significant cameos in support of their senior colleagues during our 14-match run to Wednesday’s showpiece match against Manchester United in Bilbao.

Excluding homegrown goalkeepers Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman, plus striker Dane Scarlett, all of whom have been in and around the first team squad for some time, we’ve had at least one current Academy player in every matchday squad in the Europa League this term, with 10 different youngsters featuring on the teamsheet throughout the competition so far.

While Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear, Callum Olusesi and Damola Ajayi have all earned match minutes in Europe, Alfie Dorrington, Dante Cassanova, Maeson King, Rio Kyerematen, Malachi Hardy and even schoolboy Luca Williams-Barnett have been named among our substitutes at different points throughout the campaign, earning valuable exposure to the first team environment as Ange Postecoglou’s men have battled on through an injury-hit season to move within 90 minutes of glory on the continent.

As we approach the final in Spain, here's a look back at some of the memorable moments from our Academy players during this Europa League adventure...

Lankshear’s debut and Moore’s first start

Our trip to Budapest to take on Ferencvaros on matchday two in the new-look league phase back on 3 October brought headline time news that included a senior competitive debut for centre-forward Will Lankshear and a first start for 17-year-old attacking midfielder Mikey Moore.

Both players impressed on the night – Will went close to opening his account in the second half while Mikey was named Man of the Match by our supporters after a fantastic display over 90 minutes as we secured a 2-1 victory.

“That was my first start, so it was a proud day for me and my family, and for everyone who has helped me in my career so far,” recalled Mikey. “I think I played quite well for my first start and it was nice to share it with Will because we’d come through the Under-18s together for a bit, so we had a nice link-up on the day.”

Will, who has gone on to spend the second half of the campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion, said: “It was an amazing moment for me and it sort of kick-started everything, really. My dad flew out there not realising that I was going to play – he was just happy that I was even in the squad. I told him a couple of hours before the game that I was starting and he was thrilled.

“We had a meeting before the game like usual and I remember saying to Mikey that I thought he would play and that hopefully that would be the day I’d come on from the bench, but then I saw my name in the starting line-up and it was crazy! It was a whirlwind of a day, I was really proud but I probably should have scored. Making your debut like that, it’s something that you work towards for your whole life. I thought I did okay that night and it was a nice way to kick-start my Spurs career.”

From the classroom to the first team bench

Young forward Luca Williams-Barnett – who has played a starring role for our Under-18s this term – went to bed on 5 November thinking he’d be going to school the next day. Little did he know, less than 48 hours later, his classmates would be watching him on television, warming up on the touchline in the cauldron of Galatasaray’s RAMS Park in Turkey!

As Luca slept that Tuesday night, our Academy staff – on the coach back from that evening’s Under-21 match at Swindon Town – hurriedly worked to make his involvement in the game possible after receiving word that Ange Postecoglou wanted the youngster in the travelling squad. Under-21s boss Wayne Burnett called Luca’s mum to put the wheels in motion for him to be excused from school while Academy Goalkeeping Coach Dean Brill drove to the family home overnight to collect the player’s passport.

Just a few hours later, Luca, who had only recently turned 16 and who still isn’t even a full-time player yet, was on the plane to Turkey, where he would be named as a substitute for an intense matchday four showdown on 7 November.

It was the first of three consecutive Europa League matchdays in which he was named on the bench. Callum Olusesi was also on the bench for the first time in that game, which we narrowly lost 3-2, with Development Squad defenders Alfie Dorrington and Dante Cassanova additionally listed as substitutes, as they also had been on matchday two at Ferencvaros.

Fellow Academy players Malachi Hardy (Roma, Rangers, Hoffenheim and Elfsborg), Maeson King (Roma) and Rio Kyerematen (Elfsborg) would also earn spots on the bench in subsequent league stage games.

“I felt really proud to be in the squad and it was a great opportunity to get to train and travel with the first team,” said Dante, reflecting on his experiences with the senior team. “I was really happy, especially to be able to tell my family and friends who were all delighted for me. We got a chance to further understand how the senior players prepare to go and compete, especially on a European night with the travelling element.”

Lankshear’s mixed fortunes

Our trip to Galatasaray on 7 November certainly brought mixed emotions for Will Lankshear. Named in the starting line-up for the second time, the striker scored in the 18th minute at RAMS Park to cancel out the hosts’ opener… only to later be sent off for a second bookable offence on the hour mark.

We battled on with 10 men and after Dominic Solanke’s goal, we were somewhat unlucky to have lost 3-2 in the end.

“That was probably the biggest moment and the happiest moment of my career when I scored, and then also the not-so happiest memory of my life,” reflected Will. “Their crowd was wild. I don’t really know what was going through my head with the goal celebration – I probably should’ve had something planned before the game. Obviously I expect myself to score, but I didn’t expect to score so much that I had planned a celebration!

“After the red card, all of the players came into the changing room and told me not to worry about it, to keep my head up and just learn. I think the whole experience was a massive learning curve for me and I’ve really taken it with me to my loan and all the games I’ve played since. I gained so much experience from that moment. It’s something that probably happens to a lot of players but I experienced it really early in my career and now, there’s been many times where I’ve played on loan, I’ve been on a yellow card and I’ve further understood how to deal with it. I’ve learned that now.”

Olusesi goes from Grimsby to Germany

Our trip to face Hoffenheim for matchday seven on 23 January saw us head to Germany without a plethora of first team regulars due to injury. We only named eight substitutes on the night and all bar Fraser Forster were products of our Academy.

In the closing stages, teenage midfielder Callum Olusesi came off the bench to make his debut for the Club, having been an unused substitute in a number of previous matches across all competitions.

“It was a surreal experience to be honest, something that you dream of,” the 18-year-old said. “I remember at the time when I was told to come over and put the kit on, it kind of felt like I was dreaming. After all the hard work you put in over the years, I finally got the opportunity to get on the pitch. It was a great moment, even to this day, it was like a dream. I’d played for the Under-18s at Grimsby a couple of days before in the FA Youth Cup, that was a mad game, then we trained at home on the Wednesday, then flew out and the game was on the Thursday, so it was quite a hectic period with all the travelling. I didn’t really go home during that spell, but it was worth it!”

What made Callum’s debut even more wholesome was the fact that he got to share the pitch with his childhood pal Mikey Moore. The pair have been friends since primary school and have come up through the system at the Club in the same age group.

“There were a lot of Academy boys on the bench that day and being close to Callum, I was hoping that he’d be one of the ones to get on,” said Mikey. “Once he came on, I was so happy for him and the win was a good way to top it off. It was a proud night for both of us, coming from Sunday league together to playing in the Europa League. My mum and dad are close to his family and we live together now in digs, so we’re close to each other. We’re in with a lovely family, he’s got his room next to mine so we’re in watching football every night together! We’re different characters – I’m a little bit louder than him and he’s very calm and collected!”

Callum added: “You couldn’t really write it to be honest. It was surreal. Mikey and I didn’t get to speak to each other until afterwards when we actually properly discussed it in terms of where we’d come from to where we were then. It’s a great story.”

Brilliant Brandon

Although he’s 26 years of age and has been in the first team squad for several years now, it would be remiss of us not to mention the contributions to this European run of Academy alum Brandon Austin.

Having graduated from our development ranks into the senior set-up a number of years ago, the talented goalkeeper had to bide his time as he waited for his chance – then made sure he took it when the opportunity finally arrived back in January.

He’d made his senior competitive debut in the Premier League in a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United at the turn of the year, but helped us to a 3-2 victory with some superb stops on his first European appearance away to Hoffenheim on 23 January.

He then picked up his first clean sheet in another win – this one 3-0 – seven nights later against Elfsborg on matchday eight.

“I was definitely most happy with the win, but it does make it better when it’s a clean sheet as well!” he smiled, looking back on the latter outing. “Obviously it was a big moment that I’d waited so long for – I’ve been at the Club since I was eight years old, so to get an opportunity and to do well is something I’ve always dreamed of. To do it at home as well and to have the fans there, it just made it extra-special.”

“When I scored, I felt like the moment didn’t really sink in until I saw some of the players coming to celebrate with me,” smiled Damola, looking back on that special night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. “I feel like Dane and Pedro (Porro) were the main two that I probably remember. My mum was there in the crowd but I didn’t really know where she was. I saw some of the fans and felt like I wanted to jump in and celebrate with them! You can tell by the pictures, it was just a top night. Everyone really celebrated with each other and it was great to experience it with players that I’ve been around in the Academy, reaching such a high moment together.”

Mikey added: “For me personally it was the best night I’ve had so far. I was buzzing when I scored and when the other two boys got their goals, I was so proud. When Damola scored, I was jokingly thinking, ‘I’ve played 10 games and I still haven’t got a goal but he’s come on for two minutes and he’s scored straight away!’ so maybe I was a bit jealous about that, but when I got the ball in the lead-up to my goal, I was thinking in my head that I was joining him and I wasn’t letting this opportunity pass!”

Some of our Academy staff were in the stands that night, including Under-18s Coach Stuart Lewis: “It was such an emotional evening – along with some of the other staff, I’ve been on the training pitches with some of those players from the Under-12s and Under-13s, and the amount of days we’ve spent training them and practicing their finishing and having those individual meetings that we always do... to then have that evening at the stadium, I can’t put it into words,” he said. “It’s what the job is about, ultimately. I was there with my son and my dad, my phone was going wild, Ryan Mason texted me straight after the game and the whole evening meant so much to everybody.”

Brennan Johnson and Guglielmo Vicario have explained the impact of having the support of family throughout our European journey this season.

Both sets of parents were amongst the small number of Spurs fans who managed to make it to Bodo/Glimt, in the north of Norway, for our semi-final, second leg a fortnight ago.

"My parents were out in Norway, which is unbelievable," said Brennan. "Their support is crazy, and they absolutely love it. There's a group of them with some of the other players, which is really nice.

"They do some cool stuff, get to see some amazing cities and I'm so thankful that they love coming because, especially at stadium like Bodo, as soon as I walk out, I can see them and that’s another thing, as well as the amazing fans, when you see your family, it makes you realise who you're doing it for."

Vic's parents have been alongside him since his switch from Empoli in the summer of 2023. Again, their support was there for all to see in our special documentary following the goalkeeper's recovery from a serious knee injury earlier this season.

He said: "They’ve been to every away game in Europe this year, so they have played a good part from my side, trying to support the boys.

"It was a great night for them in Bodo. I called I called them after the game, I said, ‘where are you, waiting for me outside?’, but they were out celebrating with the fans. Every time they prioritise the pub!

"I know they enjoyed Frankfurt as well, of course, because of the win and reaching the semi-finals. Bodo, it’s a different kind of journey to go there. Also, for them, outside the vibes of football, it has been it has been a good journey."