In a thrilling first leg of the Europa League semi-finals, Manchester United secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the San Mamés Stadium on May 1, 2025. The match saw the Red Devils capitalize on key moments, showcasing both their resilience and tactical prowess despite facing a challenging opponent.
Initially, Athletic Bilbao appeared to control the match, applying pressure and creating opportunities. However, it was Manchester United who struck first in the 30th minute. Harry Maguire, the Red Devils' central defender, made a daring run down the right flank, deceiving the Bilbao defense with a clever feint before delivering a pinpoint cross. Manuel Ugarte met the ball with a header, setting up Casemiro for a simple finish from close range, giving United a 1-0 lead.
As the first half progressed, the match took a dramatic turn in the 37th minute. Bilbao's Dani Vivian committed a crucial foul on Rasmus Højlund inside the penalty area, resulting in a red card after VAR review. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the penalty, demonstrating composure under pressure as he slotted the ball home, doubling United's advantage to 2-0.
With Bilbao now down to ten men, the atmosphere shifted significantly. The home side struggled to regain their footing, and just before halftime, Fernandes struck again. Following a brilliant through ball from his teammate, he expertly maneuvered into the box and finished with precision, sending the teams into the break with Manchester United leading 3-0.
Despite the daunting scoreline, Athletic Bilbao emerged from the halftime break determined to mount a comeback. Nico Williams, one of the team's key players, expressed the squad's desire to perform at their best, stating, "We want to show our fans our determination to win the title." However, the task proved to be monumental as Manchester United's defense held firm against Bilbao's attempts to penetrate.
Throughout the match, Manchester United's tactical discipline shone through. Coach Ruben Amorim emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, particularly given the team's recent struggles in domestic competitions. "We need to be careful and not take anything for granted," he remarked before the match. His players responded well, executing their game plan effectively.
In the lead-up to this semi-final clash, Manchester United had faced significant challenges, including injuries to key players. The absence of forward Schuurkes was particularly felt, as the team has struggled to find consistent attacking rhythm this season. Nonetheless, Fernandes' standout performance provided a much-needed boost, showcasing his leadership and skill.
On the other side, Athletic Bilbao had their own injury concerns, with Nico Williams returning from injury but still not at peak form. The team's coach referenced the importance of their home advantage, recalling their strong defensive record this season, having conceded only 26 goals in La Liga. However, the loss of Vivian and the subsequent red card severely hampered their chances in this match.
Looking ahead to the second leg, which will take place at Old Trafford, Manchester United will be keen to build on this momentum. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also puts them in a strong position to advance to the finals. As Fernandes noted post-match, "We have to stay grounded and prepare for the next game; it's not over yet."
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao will need to regroup and strategize for the return leg. Coach Valverde's challenge will be to inspire his players to overcome the deficit and leverage their home advantage in the second match. As he aptly put it, referencing Manchester United's historic comeback against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, "Anything can happen in football, and we must remain focused and ready to fight for every minute in the next match."
As the football world watches closely, the second leg promises to be an exciting encounter filled with drama and determination. With Manchester United holding a significant lead, Athletic Bilbao will need to summon their best performance yet to turn the tide and keep their hopes alive for a spot in the Europa League final on May 21, 2025.
