The Europa League is heating up as the semi-finals approach, with four teams set to battle for a place in the final. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are among the favorites, hoping to secure a coveted spot in the UEFA Europa League final scheduled for May 21, 2025, at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.
Tottenham advanced to the semi-finals after a hard-fought victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on April 17, 2025. The North London club secured a 1-0 win in Germany, thanks to a penalty converted by Dominic Solanke, which gave them a 2-1 aggregate triumph. This win was crucial for Spurs, who are currently facing a challenging season in the Premier League and are relying heavily on their Europa League campaign to qualify for next season's Champions League.
In the semi-finals, Tottenham will face Bodø/Glimt, who pulled off a stunning upset against Lazio. After leading 2-0 from the first leg in Norway, Bodø/Glimt faced a tough match in Rome, losing 3-1. However, they managed to hold their nerves in the penalty shootout, winning 3-2 to secure their place in the final four. This marks Bodø/Glimt's first appearance in the semi-finals of the Europa League, and they will be eager to make a mark against a formidable Tottenham side.
The first leg of the semi-final will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 1, 2025, at 20:00 BST (15:00 EDT). The return leg is scheduled for May 8, 2025, at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodø, Norway. With both matches set to be crucial, ticket prices for the fixtures have been categorized accordingly, with category B prices ranging from £49 to £96 for adults.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will take on Athletic Club in the other semi-final. The Red Devils advanced after a dramatic extra-time victory over Lyon, where they overcame a two-goal deficit to win 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate. This comeback highlighted the resilience of United, who are keen to add silverware to their trophy cabinet this season.
Athletic Club, who have been impressive throughout the tournament, secured their spot in the semi-finals by defeating Rangers. With the final taking place at their home stadium, San Mamés, Athletic Club will be motivated to reach the final and potentially win the trophy in front of their home fans.
Both matches in the semi-finals promise to deliver excitement and drama, as Tottenham and Manchester United aim for a potential all-English final. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his optimism about the upcoming matches, stating, "We’re at a point where we’ve got an opportunity to get to a semi-final of a major competition. These opportunities don’t come around very often, so why not take it?" His sentiments reflect the importance of this tournament for both clubs.
As the Europa League semi-finals approach, fans are eagerly anticipating the clashes between these top teams. With the stakes high and the potential for an all-English final, the excitement surrounding the tournament is palpable. The Europa League has a rich history of surprises and thrilling matches, and this year's edition is shaping up to be no different.
Looking ahead, the Europa League final is set for May 21, 2025, at 20:00 CEST in Bilbao, Spain. This will be the first time San Mamés Stadium hosts a men's European final, having previously hosted the Women’s Champions League final last season. The anticipation is building as teams vie for a place in this prestigious match.
In conclusion, the semi-finals of the Europa League are set to be a showcase of talent and determination as Tottenham Hotspur, Bodø/Glimt, Manchester United, and Athletic Club fight for glory. With the final just around the corner, every match will be crucial in determining who will lift the trophy and secure a place in next season's Champions League.
