Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Tue 20 May 2025 8:30, UK

Tottenham supporters are making their way to Bilbao by any means necessary, in preparation for the Europa League final on Wednesday.

Spurs take on Manchester United at the San Mames Stadium, where they can end their 17-year trophy drought and qualify for the Champions League with a win.

With that in mind, plenty is riding on the one-off occasion, including the potential future of Ange Postecoglou in North London.

Nevertheless, off-the-pitch matters have been dominating headlines in the run-up to the game, with Bilbao set to be bustling over the coming days.

Jeff Stelling reacts to Tottenham v Manchester United controversy

Tottenham and Manchester United may have both had disastrous seasons, but one win in Spain could change everything for either.

Not only does it become a saving grace, getting hands on a trophy, but securing Champions League football next season could be massive for the summer transfer window.

While competing in Europe’s biggest competition will secure more revenue next season, it will also help to attract players to North London ahead of the new campaign.

Although the game is massive for supporters, not everyone will have the opportunity to make their voices heard inside the stadium.

Although the capacity of Athletic Bilbao’s stadium is 49,600, both sides will have just 15,000 tickets available for their own supporters.

Nevertheless, there is expected to be a much bigger volume of supporters travelling out for the game, with a small city about to be packed.

Speaking about how busy it will be on talkSPORT (20 May, 6:54 am), Jeff Stelling hit out at the ticketing, saying: “The other thing is, only 53,000 tickets. 15,000 for Spurs fans, 15,000 for United fans.

“Disgracefully, really, 23,000 go elsewhere, and there are 80,000 fans travelling.”

Tottenham need to make their voices heard

As Stelling says, the ticket situation is a massive disappointment and supporters should be given maximum opportunity to get inside the stadium; that is what football is all about after all.

For UEFA, the number of people heading to Bilbao could serve as a reminder that supporters really need to be catered for, and throw in the possibility of looking at other stadiums they can use in the future for such games.

Although the Lilywhites won’t be able to get their full contingent in the stadium, the supporters need to make sure spirits are high and ensure that carries into the game too.

Postecoglou’s future could well be on the line in this game and every bit of support could spur Tottenham on to victory that would finally end the long wait for silverware.