The UEFA Europa League is heating up as four teams gear up for the semi-finals, with Athletic Club, Tottenham Hotspur, Bodo/Glimt, and Manchester United all vying for a shot at glory. The quarter-finals were nothing short of thrilling, requiring two overtimes and a nail-biting penalty shootout to determine the final four.
The semi-final matchups have been confirmed: Athletic Club will face Manchester United, while Tottenham will take on Bodo/Glimt. Both matches promise to be electrifying, with the first leg set for May 1, 2025, at the respective home grounds.
Athletic Club advanced to the semi-finals after a solid performance against Rangers, winning 2-0 at home following a 0-0 draw in the first leg. Goals from Oihan Sancet, who converted a penalty just before halftime, and Nico Williams, who scored in the 80th minute, secured their place in the next round. "We believed in ourselves and played with confidence at home," said Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde. "This is a crucial moment for us as we aim to win our first European title on home soil at San Mamés."
On the other side of the draw, Manchester United had an epic quarter-final clash against Olympique Lyon. After a 2-2 draw in France, the second leg at Old Trafford was a rollercoaster ride. United found themselves trailing 2-4 in extra time but mounted a stunning comeback, scoring three goals in the dying minutes to win 5-4 on aggregate. "It was a wild game, and I couldn't be prouder of my players for their resilience," said United's coach, who was visibly elated post-match.
Tottenham Hotspur also made their mark in the quarter-finals, eliminating Eintracht Frankfurt. After a 1-1 draw in London, Spurs secured their semi-final spot with a 1-0 victory in Frankfurt, thanks to a penalty from Dominic Solanke. "We showed our character today, and we’re excited about the challenge ahead against Bodo/Glimt," said Tottenham's manager, Ange Postecoglou.
Speaking of Bodo/Glimt, the Norwegians pulled off an impressive feat by defeating Lazio in the quarter-finals. After losing 2-0 in the first leg, they managed to turn the tables with a 3-1 win in the second leg, forcing penalties. The shootout saw Bodo/Glimt triumph, with Lazio's Tachouna, Taty Castellanos, and Noslin missing their chances. "This is a historic moment for us as the first Norwegian team to reach the semi-finals of a major UEFA competition," said Bodo/Glimt's coach, beaming with pride.
As the semi-finals approach, the stakes are high. The first leg matches will take place on May 1, 2025, with Athletic Club hosting Manchester United at San Mamés and Tottenham facing Bodo/Glimt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The return legs are scheduled for May 8, 2025, at Old Trafford and Aspmyra Stadion, respectively.
The excitement culminates with the Europa League final, set for May 21, 2025, at San Mamés. Athletic Club is particularly motivated to reach the final, as it would provide them the chance to win their first European title on home turf. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, and the atmosphere promises to be electric.
In summary, the road to the Europa League final is paved with thrilling matchups and dramatic storylines. With teams like Athletic Club and Manchester United, both of whom have rich histories in European competitions, and the underdog spirit of Tottenham and Bodo/Glimt, the semi-finals are sure to deliver unforgettable moments. The countdown to May 1 begins, and fans around Europe are ready to witness the next chapter in this exciting tournament.
