Manchester United thumped Spanish giant Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at the San Mames Stadium in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League on May 1, 2025.
The Red Devils started the game on a strong note, dominating the match, which led to defender Harry Maguire dribbling past one of Bilbao’s defenders on the left flank, crossing the ball, and Casemiro heading it into the net to take the lead.
The Premier League side continued to press their opponents, with Dani Vivian’s reckless challenge resulting in a penalty, and he was sent off in the game.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to net the second.
Athletic Bilbao, overwhelmed by the enormous pressure they faced after going one man down, couldn’t hold on to the 2-0 scoreline and conceded another penalty on the brink of the conclusion of the first half.
Fernandes slotted the ball nicely into the goalpost for the third time, having sent the goalkeeper the wrong way again.
Bilbao’s key players, including Ghana’s Inaki Williams and his brother Nico Williams, couldn’t make a major impact to turn their fortunes around after suffering a humiliating defeat.
The second leg will take place on May 8, 2025, at Old Trafford to decide the tie and which team qualifies for the finals of the competition.
It would be a major boost for Manchester United to salvage their season if they manage to qualify and win the 2025 Europa League.
Watch highlights of the game below:
Watch as Ghana U-15 girls defeat South Africa 3-2 to reach finals
SB/EB
