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Brennan Johnson's scruffy goal brought Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought to an end with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday.
Spurs, who last won European silverware in 1984, will compete in next season's Champions League, while Manchester United faces a significant financial blow after failing to qualify.
Despite their success in Bilbao, manager Ange Postecoglou's position remains precarious following a disappointing domestic season, with Spurs sitting just below United in the Premier League standings.
The Australian vehemently stated he was "not a clown" before the final and enjoyed the last laugh on a tense night at the San Mames, fulfilling his promise to win a trophy in his second season at a club.
Fans traveled from afar to fill Athletic Bilbao's stadium, some taking unusual routes and sleeping in their cars to avoid exorbitant prices, yet they still witnessed a final lacking in quality.
The match featured teams struggling in 16th and 17th place after disappointing Premier League runs, characterized by high intensity but low confidence, with the enormous prize at stake adding to the pressure.
Numerous turnovers marred the game, as neither side managed to maintain possession, resulting in frantic defending, desperate clearances, and a series of clumsy fouls.
Harry Maguire made a crucial block from Tottenham's Pape Sarr early on after Johnson got ahead of Luke Shaw to break down the right. Manchester United supporters cheered for coach Ruben Amorim, showing their support despite the club's worst Premier League season in 50 years.
At the other end, 22-year-old United winger Amad Diallo, one of the few players brimming with confidence, sent a shot across the goal and left Destiny Udogie trailing behind as he attempted to evade him on a dribble.
The breakthrough for Spurs came in the 42nd minute, and fittingly, it was a rather messy goal. Tottenham midfielder Sarr, who had not completed a single pass prior, delivered a cross to the near post for Johnson.
The winger's attempted flick hit Shaw's shoulder, bounced off Johnson's boot again, and trickled over the goal-line in slow motion as Andre Onana failed to stop it.
In the second half, Spurs adopted a defensive approach, focusing on safeguarding their slim lead while seeking counter-attack opportunities. They nearly scored again when Yves Bissouma set up Dominic Solanke, but the striker mishandled the pass, wasting the chance.
Manchester United came close to equalizing when Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario ventured out but was unable to claim a set-piece launched from deep.
The ball fell to Rasmus Hojlund, but his header over the stranded Spurs keeper was spectacularly cleared by Micky van de Ven. Spurs substituted captain Son Heung-min for the struggling Richarlison, even though the South Korean international was an unexpected non-starter.
United brought on Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee in search of a solution, but it marked their fourth defeat to Spurs this season.
Shaw had an opportunity to make amends for his involvement in Johnson's goal, but his header was saved by Vicario.
Amorim remarked that winning the trophy wouldn't resolve United's ongoing issues but could pave the way for future success; however, United departed Bilbao empty-handed.
For the first time since the 2014-15 season, they will miss out on European football next term.
