Manchester United’s Stunning Turnaround in Bilbao: A Night to Remember
BILBAO, Spain — In a twist that no one could have predicted, Manchester United delivered a performance that breathed new life into their season, stunning Athletic Club with a 3-0 victory in the Europa League semifinals on Thursday night. This unexpected triumph in Bilbao has put Ruben Amorim’s team, who have been struggling in the Premier League, on the brink of a European final.
The match was defined by a blistering end to the first half, where United scored three goals in just 15 minutes. This sudden burst of clinical finishing was a stark contrast to their usual struggles in front of goal. Meanwhile, Athletic Club, known for having the best defensive record in Spain, found themselves disorganized and vulnerable.
For Amorim, the Europa League has become a lifeline. Winning a European trophy is significant, but the financial boost from qualifying for the Champions League could be even more crucial as the club approaches a pivotal summer transfer window.
Throughout the season, United have often faltered under pressure. However, against an Athletic Club team flying high in LaLiga and backed by their passionate home support, United managed to silence the crowd at “The Cathedral.”
Amorim might have hoped to keep the tie alive for the return leg at Old Trafford, but instead, he found himself emphasizing that the contest isn’t over yet. “I think it is the best result because nobody expected this result,” said Amorim. “I think it is hard to explain. We improve in the last games and I don’t look just to the results.”
Amorim’s Premier League record stands at six wins from 23 games, while in the Europa League, it’s seven wins from nine. For United, winning the competition could mean as much as £100 million, but it holds equal importance for Athletic Club. Their fans, taking advantage of a public holiday, filled the streets of Bilbao hours before kick-off, creating a sea of red and white around the stadium.
This is only Athletic Club’s third European semifinal, and they may never get another chance to play in a final at San Mames. For the first 20 minutes, they looked determined to seize their opportunity. United appeared anxious, and Athletic Club, driven by their home fans, pushed forward aggressively.
- Manuel Ugarte was dispossessed in midfield, leading to a good save from André Onana after a shot by Álex Berenguer.
- Iñaki Williams missed a header, and his brother, Nico, created another chance after stealing the ball from Victor Lindelöf.
- Lindelof, a surprise inclusion due to injuries to Diogo Dalot and fitness concerns around Luke Shaw and Matthijs De Ligt, made a crucial block on the line.
Despite the early pressure, United turned the game around, much like they did in the quarterfinal against Lyon. By halftime, United fans were already planning their trips for the final.
Casemiro opened the scoring with a header from Harry Maguire’s cross, a moment that seemed to signal it was United’s night. Maguire, unexpectedly turning into a winger, provided the assist. Then, after Daniel Vivian was sent off for pulling back Rasmus Hojlund in the box, Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty. Fernandes scored again after a clever back heel from Casemiro, and Noussair Mazraoui hit the bar.
Athletic Club, who had only conceded 10 goals at home in LaLiga this season, were stunned as United scored three in 15 minutes. It was the first time in nearly 60 years that United scored three first-half goals away from home in a major European knockout game.
Athletic Club’s players were furious with the referee, Norwegian Espen Eskas, particularly over the penalty and red card decisions. “It’s too much of a punishment,” said Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans expressing their displeasure at the officiating.
Despite the hostile environment, United managed to maintain their composure and could have extended their lead further. Casemiro hit the post with a header, and Hojlund came close to adding a fourth goal.
Amorim, however, remains cautious. “I think they [the players] have to think about the second leg,” he said. “And they have to think more about the first 20 minutes than the rest of the game. The game is going to be really tough. Anything can change. That is my message to the players. We have to think about Brentford [on Sunday] and then the second leg.”
Originally Written by: Rob Dawson
