Manchester United delivered a statement performance at the San Mamés Stadium, defeating Athletic Bilbao 3–0 in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final. With the final set to be played at the same venue on May 21, the result puts United within touching distance of a shot at silverware and Champions League qualification.
Goals from Casemiro and a brace from captain Bruno Fernandes, coupled with a red card for Bilbao’s Daniel Vivian, turned the tie decisively in United’s favor, extending their unbeaten run in this season’s Europa League having played 12 matches, with 28 goals scored, the most in the competition.
The match began with Bilbao applying early pressure, buoyed by the prospect of reaching a home final. However, under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, United showcased a blend of tactical discipline and clinical finishing that silenced the passionate crowd.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Casemiro nodded United into the lead, finishing off a superb run and cross from Harry Maguire, who showed surprising flair down the right wing to beat Bilbao’s Jauregizar.
Ten minutes later, the match tilted further in United’s favor as referee Davide Massa awarded a penalty and issued a straight red card to Daniel Vivian for wrestling down Rasmus Højlund and denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty into the bottom right corner, doubling United’s advantage.
The second half saw United manage the game with maturity, limiting Bilbao to speculative efforts. Nico Williams, Bilbao’s star winger, struggled to make an impact, visibly frustrated as United’s Noussair Mazraoui kept him in check, leaving the young Spaniard visibly frustrated. Though Bilbao’s fans, known for their unwavering support, roared until the end, United’s defense, marshaled by Maguire, held firm.
Amorim praised his team’s resilience post-match, saying, “This was a fantastic performance, but it’s only half the job. We need to stay focused for the second leg at Old Trafford.”
However, the Portuguese coach also warned his team, noting that “one foot in the final, but it’s not done yet.”
United’s victory was a statement of intent after their dramatic comeback of 5-4 in the quarter-final win over Lyon, a match that saw them stage a remarkable extra-time comeback.
Bilbao, still chasing their first European trophy, face a monumental task in the second leg at Old Trafford on May 8. Meanwhile, United is dreaming of a final against either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodø/Glimt, with a chance to salvage their season with silverware and secure Champions League qualification.
