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Tottenham break their 17-year curse and will play in the Champions League from 17th place in the Premier League

It sounds like a movie script, but it is pure reality: Tottenham, after a more than discreet season in the Premier League, lifts the Europa League and secures a ticket for the next Champions League. Incredible but true: the 17th-placed team in the English league will be playing in the biggest continental tournament next season. A prize that disguises (but does not erase) a campaign of ups and downs.

The star of the day was Brennan Johnson, scorer of the only goal of the game. Well, sort of. His shot was more of a rebound than a shot, and ended up in the net thanks to a carom after touching Luke Shaw. It was Spurs' first and only shot on target in the final. But in this sport, he who scores, wins. And Ange Postecoglou's side made the most of their chance to win in Bilbao against Manchester United.

There are several interpretations of the victory. The most obvious one is that Tottenham are back to lift a trophy 17 years after their last joy: that League Cup in 2008 with Juande Ramos at the helm. But it also confirms the ‘prophecy’ of their current manager. ‘I always win something in my second season,’ said the Australian. It was all said and done. This title also puts an end to the club's European drought, which had not won a continental tournament since 1984. It was overdue.

While in London they celebrate, in Manchester they are shaking their heads. United not only lost yet another final, but also said goodbye to next year's European competitions. Their season has been one to forget: sixteenth in the Premiership, with no clear direction, and a defeat on the most important day. Not even their good performance in the Europa League up to the final (nine wins and five draws) was enough to make up for the disappointment.

The most spectacular action of the match was undoubtedly Van de Ven's save in the second half. When everything pointed to an equaliser, the Tottenham defender appeared on the line with an acrobatic save to keep out Höjlund's goal. Earlier, Vicario had failed to get off the line, and the ball was already heading for goal... until the Dutch centre-half produced a sort of emergency defensive bicycle kick. To hang in a museum.

The match was not exactly an ode to football. Little clarity, much respect, little creativity. Both teams seemed more concerned with not conceding than attacking. Only Diallo, for United, stirred things up a bit with his pace, but without actually finishing.

Off the pitch, the atmosphere was as intense as on it. More than 55,000 fans of both teams packed Bilbao on a day that, apart from minor incidents (three arrested for fights and damage), passed without major problems. The party, at least for Tottenham fans, was complete.

And on a final note, it was impossible not to think of Harry Kane. The idol who left without winning anything with Spurs now lifts the Bundesliga with Bayern, while his former team savours a European title without him. The twists and turns of football.

So yes: Tottenham closed a season to forget with a trophy to remember. And with a direct passport to the Champions League. Sometimes, football has no logic. But it does have magic.