On May 1, 2025, Athletic Bilbao will host Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final at the iconic San Mames stadium in Bilbao. The match is set to kick off at 22:00 Moscow time, and both teams are eager to secure a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg.
Athletic Bilbao, currently in fourth place in La Liga, has shown impressive form in the Europa League, having defeated Rangers in the quarter-finals with a solid 2-0 victory after a goalless draw in the first leg. The Basque side has been particularly formidable at home, winning all their matches in this season's Europa League, which adds to their confidence as they prepare to face the Red Devils.
In contrast, Manchester United has had a tumultuous season, finding themselves in 14th place in the Premier League. Their journey to the semi-finals has been marked by a dramatic penalty shootout win against Lyon, where they triumphed 5-4 after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg. Despite their struggles in domestic competitions, United remains unbeaten in the Europa League this season, a fact that gives them hope as they travel to Spain.
Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. Athletic's defense has been solid, conceding only 10 goals in 12 Europa League matches, while their attack has scored 21 goals, showcasing a balanced team performance. The club's strategy under head coach Ernesto Valverde typically revolves around a classic 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing quick wing play and a strong defensive block.
In the last five matches, Athletic has secured three victories, one draw, and one loss, including a recent 1-0 win against Las Palmas. Their only defeat came against Real Madrid, where they lost 2-1. The team has been particularly strong at home, remaining unbeaten in their last ten matches at San Mames, which includes seven wins and three draws.
On the other hand, Manchester United's recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their latest result was a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in the Premier League, which has raised concerns about their ability to perform under pressure. The Red Devils have scored 28 goals in their 12 Europa League matches, indicating a potent attack, but they have also been vulnerable defensively, conceding 17 goals.
Key players will play a significant role in this encounter. For Athletic, Inaki Williams has been a standout performer, scoring five goals in the tournament. His speed and versatility will be crucial in breaking down United's defense. His younger brother, Nico Williams, has also made an impact, particularly in the knockout stages, where he scored in the quarter-final against Rangers.
For Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes has been the team's talisman, contributing significantly with goals and assists throughout the tournament. His ability to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities will be vital if United hopes to secure a favorable result in Bilbao.
Betting odds reflect the competitive nature of this match, with bookmakers favoring Athletic Bilbao for the win at odds of 2.06. In contrast, a victory for Manchester United is listed at higher odds, reflecting their struggles in recent weeks. The odds suggest that while Athletic is seen as the favorite, the unpredictability of knockout football means anything can happen.
The tactical battle will be intriguing, with Athletic likely to sit back and absorb pressure, looking to hit United on the counter-attack. United, on the other hand, will be expected to dominate possession and create chances, but their recent inability to convert opportunities into goals could prove costly.
As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. For Athletic Bilbao, a win would not only boost their chances of advancing to the final but also solidify their impressive home record. For Manchester United, a victory is crucial to restore confidence and provide a much-needed lift in what has been a challenging season.
In the context of their historical encounters, Athletic has never lost to Manchester United in their previous meetings, winning twice and drawing once. This statistic adds an extra layer of motivation for the Basque side, who will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record against the English giants.
With the final of the Europa League set to take place at San Mames, Athletic will be eager to make a statement in front of their home fans. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with passionate supporters ready to rally behind their team in this crucial fixture.
As the countdown to kick-off begins, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two storied clubs with rich footballing histories. Will Athletic continue their winning ways, or can Manchester United rise to the occasion and secure a vital away win? The stage is set for an unforgettable night of football.
