On May 1, 2025, Manchester United took a commanding lead in the Europa League semi-final first leg by defeating Athletic Club 3-0 at the iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. The match, which kicked off at 21:00 CET, showcased a clinical performance from the visitors, who now find themselves in a strong position to advance to the final set to take place in the same venue later this month.
The first half was dominated by Manchester United, who capitalized on their opportunities while Athletic Club struggled to convert their chances. Casemiro opened the scoring for United in the 30th minute with a well-placed header, giving the visitors the momentum they needed. Just moments later, the game took a pivotal turn when Athletic's Dani Vivian was shown a red card after VAR reviewed a foul on Rasmus Hojlund in the penalty area, leading to a penalty kick for United.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the penalty and coolly slotted it home, doubling United's lead. He then added a third goal shortly before halftime, effectively putting the match out of reach for Athletic Club. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, but the home fans were left disappointed as their team faced a daunting task in the second leg.
“The sending-off hurt us a lot because it completely conditioned the game when really, 11 against 11 we were better,” said Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde, reflecting on the crucial moment that shifted the match's dynamics. Athletic had started brightly, creating early chances with Iñaki Williams and Alex Berenguer both coming close to scoring. However, their inability to find the net proved costly as United capitalized on their mistakes.
United's captain Bruno Fernandes was instrumental in the victory, not only scoring two goals but also contributing significantly to the team's overall performance. After the match, he expressed his satisfaction with the result, stating, “You can never predict a scoreline like that. A very tough team, the atmosphere was unbelievable, crazy. I love these atmospheres and I love to play in these stadiums.” His performance further solidified his status as one of the key players in the Europa League, bringing his total to 27 goals in the competition, just three behind Radamel Falcao and seven behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Manchester United's manager, Ruben Amorim, praised the team's resilience and ability to remain focused despite the pressure of the match. “We had a little bit of luck that managed to keep us in the game,” he noted, adding that the tie is not over yet. “They can do the same thing at Old Trafford because they are really strong.”
The match statistics reflected United's dominance, with the visitors managing to control possession and create more goal-scoring opportunities. Despite being a man down, Athletic Club continued to push forward but struggled to break through United's defense, which was marshaled effectively by Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf.
As the second half unfolded, United maintained their composure and controlled the game, preventing Athletic from mounting any serious comeback attempts. Fernandes nearly added a fourth goal, but his close-range effort was saved by Athletic goalkeeper Agirrezabala. The match ended with United comfortably ahead, leaving Athletic Club with a mountain to climb in the return leg.
Looking ahead, both teams have crucial league matches to prepare for before they meet again. Manchester United will face Brentford in the Premier League on May 4, while Athletic Club travels to take on Real Sociedad on the same day. The pressure is on both teams as they aim to balance their domestic and European commitments while keeping their eyes on the final in Bilbao on May 22.
The upcoming second leg at Old Trafford promises to be an exciting encounter, with Manchester United looking to secure their place in the final against their Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in their semi-final first leg. As the tension builds, fans from both sides will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling Europa League saga.
In conclusion, Manchester United's impressive victory at San Mamés has set the stage for what could be a historic final for the club, should they maintain their form in the return leg. With Fernandes and Casemiro in fine form, United will be confident as they look to finish the job in front of their home crowd.
