Manchester United took a giant step towards securing a place in the UEFA Europa League final with a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their semifinal at the San Mamés Stadium on May 1, 2025. The result leaves United in a strong position ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford on May 8, where they will look to complete the job and reach their first European final since 2021.
The match started with a tense atmosphere as Athletic Bilbao, buoyed by their home crowd, aimed to capitalize on their strong defensive record, having conceded just 11 goals at home all season. However, it was Manchester United who struck first, with Casemiro finding the net in the 30th minute. The goal came after a clever flick from Manuel Ugarte, following a delightful cross from Harry Maguire, who showed surprising skill to evade his marker before delivering the ball into the box.
Things quickly took a turn for the worse for the home side when Bilbao defender Dani Vivian was sent off for a foul on United’s Rasmus Hojlund in the penalty area just five minutes later. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the resulting penalty, and despite the deafening jeers from the home crowd, he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to double United's lead.
As if that weren't enough, Fernandes struck again just before halftime, finishing off a well-placed through-ball from Ugarte to make it 3-0. The United captain's brace not only highlighted his exceptional form but also left Athletic Bilbao reeling as they headed into the break. The home fans, who had been so optimistic at the start, were left frustrated and disappointed by their team's inability to respond.
“Of course it’s a great start, to get a victory here and score three goals and with a clean sheet,” said United defender Harry Maguire after the match. “All the pressure will be on us, everyone will be expecting us to go through. We need to prepare properly, and if we do that, we’ll give ourselves a great chance.”
Bilbao, who were hoping to chase their first-ever European title with the final set to be hosted at their own stadium on May 21, 2025, struggled to mount a comeback in the second half. With diminished numbers, they created only a handful of chances, and United managed the game with relative ease.
United’s performance was particularly impressive given their struggles in the Premier League this season. They have been inconsistent domestically, but the Europa League has provided a welcome distraction and a chance for redemption. Remarkably, United has now scored more goals in their seven Europa League matches this year than in their 15 Premier League games combined. This stark contrast has left fans wondering how a team that excels in Europe can struggle so much in domestic competitions.
“It was a convincing showing from the visitors, who took their chances when required and got a hugely significant result over the line,” noted a sports analyst. “United once again proved that they are a totally different team playing on the continent than they are in Britain.”
In terms of individual performances, Bruno Fernandes was undoubtedly the star of the night, earning a perfect rating of 10 from various match reports. His leadership on the pitch and ability to perform under pressure were pivotal in United's success. Casemiro also shone, receiving high praise for his performance and contributing significantly to both the defense and attack.
In contrast, Athletic Bilbao’s players struggled to find their rhythm after the early setback. Despite a promising start, they failed to convert their chances, with Iñaki Williams missing a close-range header early in the match and Victor Lindelöf making crucial blocks to deny further opportunities.
As the second half progressed, United looked to extend their lead, with Casemiro coming close to scoring a fourth, hitting the post with a header. The visitors remained in control, with Andre Onana having little to do in goal, aside from a few routine saves.
“We didn’t manage the first goal, that tension. When you lose 3-0, it means they were clinical, and we weren’t in the chances we had,” Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde reflected post-match. “Teams like United don’t forgive; they are very solid in the final third.”
Looking ahead, United will host the second leg at Old Trafford with a commanding lead, and the confidence of their recent performances will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their approach. Fans are hopeful that their team can maintain this momentum and secure a place in the final.
As the clock ticks down to the return fixture, the stakes are high, and with United’s current form, they seem poised to capitalize on the opportunity to lift the Europa League trophy, a title that has become synonymous with their European aspirations. The final, set for May 21, 2025, at San Mamés, could very well see United return for a shot at redemption in Europe.
In conclusion, Manchester United's emphatic victory in Bilbao has set the stage for a thrilling second leg, with the team looking to capitalize on their strong performance and secure their place in the Europa League final.
