Countdown to glory: Everything you need to know about this year’s European finals

Football fans, brace yourselves. The European football season is reaching its thrilling climax with two monumental finals on the horizon. The UEFA Europa League final will see Manchester United face off against Tottenham Hotspur on May 21 in Bilbao, followed by the UEFA Champions League final featuring Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan on May 31 in Munich. Both matches promise high-stakes drama, unforgettable moments and the crowning of new champions.

Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, here’s everything you need to know about these matches and how to catch every moment live.

Why these finals are a must-watch

Every year, millions of fans across the globe tune in for these unforgettable showdowns. The Champions League final stands as one of the most-watched sporting events worldwide, while the Europa League final consistently delivers high-octane drama, underdog victories and breakout performances.

Meanwhile, this year’s campaigns have been nothing short of phenomenal. From thrilling comebacks to stunning upsets, both competitions have kept us on the edge of our seats.

UEFA Europa League final: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Kick-off: 20:00 BST (21:00 CEST)
Venue: San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao, Spain
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
GO TV channel: TSN 1

An all-English showdown awaits as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur clash in the Europa League final. After disastrous domestic campaigns, both teams are desperate for redemption, aiming to lift the coveted trophy and secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Road to the final

• Manchester United: The Red Devils showcased resilience and flair, overcoming Real Sociedad, Lyon and Athletic Club to reach the final. Under renewed vigor, the team will be aiming to reclaim their dominance in Europe, building on their 2017 Europa League triumph.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs navigated past AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt, demonstrating tactical prowess and determination. Backed by their attacking flair and passionate fanbase, the team is hungry to end their long trophy drought and add a long-awaited European title to their cabinet, having previously won the competition (then the UEFA Cup) twice.

Key storylines

• Managerial duel: United’s Ruben Amorim faces his former protégé, Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, adding an intriguing subplot to the final.
• Injury concerns: Both squads have key players sidelined, which could influence tactics and team selection.
• High stakes: Beyond the trophy, the winner secures a coveted place in the next season’s Champions League.

Key players to watch

• Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes continues to be the creative heartbeat of the team, while Mason Mount has found form at the right time.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Defender Micky van de Ven has been pivotal in Spurs’ European run, expressing a strong desire to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.

Fan experience

Bilbao is gearing up for an influx of fans, with approximately 80,000 English supporters expected. The city has implemented extensive security measures, including three security rings around the stadium and designated fan zones to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

So get ready for a tactical masterclass, dazzling individual brilliance and nail-biting drama as these two giants of English football go head-to-head.

UEFA Champions League final: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Milan

Date: Saturday, 31 May 2025
Kick-off: 21:00 CEST
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Referee: Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
GO TV channel: TSN 1

Then, just ten days later, the eyes of the footballing world will turn to the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, for the ultimate club football spectacle, the UEFA Champions League Final. This year marks a historic occasion – the first final since 2004 without a club from England, Spain or Germany, when Porto and Monaco contested the title. In this latest clash of titans, French champions Paris Saint-Germain face off against Italian giants Inter Milan. Both teams have displayed exceptional form throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a memorable finale.

Road to the final

• Paris Saint-Germain: PSG navigated a challenging path, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline. They are on the cusp of a historic treble, having already secured the Ligue 1 title and the Trophée des Champions.
• Inter Milan: The Italian side aims to reclaim European glory, having last won the Champions League in 2010. Their path to the final saw them overcome formidable opponents, including a semi-final triumph over Barcelona.

Key storylines

• Historic opportunity: Inter’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan has the opportunity to become one of the few players to have won all three of UEFA’s current men’s club competitions, having previously secured the Europa League with Manchester United and the Europa Conference League with AS Roma.
• PSG’s quest: The team aims to become only the second French team to win the European Cup/Champions League, following Marseille’s success in 1993.
• Inter’s legacy: Inter Milan seeks to add a fourth Champions League title to their storied history, further solidifying their status among Europe’s elite clubs.
• Entertainment galore: The final will feature a pre-match performance by Linkin Park, adding to the spectacle.

Key players to watch

• Paris Saint-Germain: Ousmane Dembélé’s pace and creativity have been instrumental in PSG’s attack, while Donnarumma’s goalkeeping has provided a solid foundation.
• Inter Milan: Midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is on the brink of making history by potentially becoming the first player to win all three major UEFA club competitions.

Fan experience

Munich’s Allianz Arena, renowned for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere, will host the final. Fans can expect a spectacular event, with pre-match entertainment and a celebration of football’s finest.

This UEFA Champions league final promises to be a showcase of world-class talent, high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments.

Experience the finals with GO TV

Don’t miss a moment of the action. With GO TV you can:

• Experience seamless, high-definition streaming: Our robust network infrastructure ensures a smooth, buffer-free viewing experience in stunning HD, bringing you closer to the action.
• Enjoy convenience at your fingertips: watch the games on your preferred device, whether it’s your smart TV, smartphone, tablet or laptop, anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
• Miss nothing with pause: Forgot your popcorn? Pause the game and resume watching at the press of the button.
  Relive moments with rewind: The scene was too good so you must rewatch it. All you need to do is just hit the rewind button.

How to get ready for kick-off

If you haven’t already, get the Sports TV Pass as an add-on with our standalone Start Plan which gives you access to local and Italian TV channels, as well as Tokis. Already a customer? Simply add it to your existing TV plan. Next, download the GO TV app on your preferred device from the App store or Google Play. Lastly, don’t miss a second of the action. Set reminders for the Europe Leage Final on the 21st of May and for the Champions League Final on the 31st of May.

The final whistle

This is it. The biggest nights in football are nearly here and GO TV is your official gateway to every second of the action. Whether you’re cheering from home or catching the game on the go, we’re here to deliver an unmatched viewing experience, so tune in live, don your team colours and prepare for the ultimate football spectacle.