Manchester United put on a commanding display in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, securing a decisive 3-0 victory at Old Trafford on May 1, 2025. The match saw United take control early on, despite a few early scares, and they capitalized on their chances to put themselves in a strong position heading into the second leg.
The game began with a moment of controversy as United thought they had taken the lead in the 10th minute. Bruno Fernandes sent Alejandro Garnacho through on goal, and the young Argentine slotted the ball past Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. However, after a VAR check, the goal was disallowed for offside, leaving the home fans momentarily deflated.
Just minutes later, it was Bilbao’s turn to threaten. Inaki Williams found himself with a golden opportunity, heading over the bar when it seemed easier to score, as United goalkeeper Andre Onana was caught out of position. The miss proved crucial as the tide soon turned in favor of the Red Devils.
In the 30th minute, Manchester United broke the deadlock. Harry Maguire, known more for his defensive prowess, showcased his attacking abilities with a dazzling run down the wing. He delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by Manuel Ugarte, who flicked it on for Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder made no mistake, heading home to give United a 1-0 lead.
Things went from bad to worse for Bilbao just seven minutes later. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded United a penalty after Daniel Vivian brought down Rasmus Hojlund in the box. Vivian was shown a red card for the foul, leaving Bilbao with only ten men for the remainder of the match. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it past Agirrezabala, doubling United's lead to 2-0.
As the first half drew to a close, Fernandes struck again. A brilliant backheel from Ugarte set Fernandes free, and he made no mistake, slotting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 3-0 just before halftime. The home side had completely turned the match on its head, and they went into the break with a comfortable cushion.
The second half started slowly, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. However, in the 63rd minute, Casemiro came close to adding to the scoreline, rattling the near post with a powerful header. Despite United’s dominance, the second half was largely uneventful, with Bilbao unable to muster a response.
At full-time, Manchester United had secured a solid 3-0 victory, putting them in a strong position to advance to the Europa League final. The match statistics reflected United's control, with the home side dominating possession at 72% and outshooting Bilbao 14 to 9, with 7 shots on target compared to Bilbao's 3.
United’s manager expressed satisfaction with the performance, particularly praising his players' ability to respond after a shaky start. "We showed great character and quality, especially after the VAR decision went against us early on. The players kept their heads up and pushed through to get the result we needed," he said.
On the other hand, Bilbao's coach lamented the missed opportunities and the impact of the red card. "We had our chances early on, but we couldn't capitalize. The red card changed everything, and we struggled to cope with United's attacking threats after that," he stated.
As the teams prepare for the second leg, Manchester United will look to maintain their momentum, while Athletic Bilbao will need to regroup and find a way to overturn the deficit at home. The return leg promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams vie for a place in the Europa League final.
Overall, this match showcased Manchester United's attacking prowess and ability to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes. With the second leg looming, all eyes will be on whether United can secure their place in the final or if Bilbao can mount a remarkable comeback.
