Man United Stun Athletic Club with 3–0 Away Win in Europa League Semifinal First Leg

Rúben Amorim’s side take huge step toward the final in Bilbao

Manchester United are one foot into the Europa League final after a dominant 3–0 win over Athletic Club in the first leg of the semifinals — at the same stadium where the final will take place on May 21.

Early drama and VAR decisions define the first half

A packed San Mamés welcomed the home side with electric support, but it was United who struck first — or so they thought. Alejandro Garnacho scored in the fifth minute after a clever backheel assist from Bruno Fernandes, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Athletic responded with several promising attacks, mainly through Álex Berenguer, who was a constant threat in the absence of top scorer Oihan Sancet. Berenguer forced a strong save from André Onana and nearly assisted Iñaki Williams with a dangerous cross. But just when a goal from the hosts felt inevitable, United flipped the script.

Harry Maguire unexpectedly turned playmaker, beating two defenders on the right flank and delivering a cross that led to Casemiro's headed goal. Minutes later, Rasmus Højlund won a controversial penalty after being tugged by Dani Vivian, who was also shown a red card. After a VAR check, Norwegian referee Espen Eskås upheld the decision, and Bruno Fernandes calmly converted from the spot.

Before halftime, United made it three. Højlund turned provider, slipping a perfectly timed pass to Fernandes, who finished one-on-one with the keeper.

Athletic lose control and tempers flare

The second half offered no real chance of a comeback for ten-man Athletic. The Basque side had limited possession (just 29%) and struggled to create meaningful chances. The home crowd’s frustration was directed at referee Eskås, especially after a potential foul by Maguire on Gorka Guruzeta was waved off.

Tempers boiled over on the Athletic bench, with backup keeper Unai Simón receiving a yellow card for dissent. The final moments saw Manchester United nearly add a fourth, with Casemiro hitting the post from a corner.

All signs point to a United–Tottenham final

With Tottenham also winning their first leg (3–1 vs. Marseille), the stage is set for a potential all-English final in Bilbao. While Spurs conceded late to complicate matters, United held firm throughout the match and now look poised to return to San Mamés on May 21.

An unusual subplot also emerged: Brazilian winger Antony, who played for both Man United (4 games) and Real Betis (7 games) in this season’s European competitions, could potentially receive winners' medals in both the Europa League and Conference League — a rare scenario that UEFA will need to rule on.

Published by Patrick Jane
01.05.2025