Manchester United took a major step towards the Europa League final with a commanding 3-0 win over 10-man Athletic Bilbao at a raucous San Mames Stadium. A devastating first-half spell left the hosts stunned and gave United a strong advantage heading into the second leg at Old Trafford.
Despite a shaky start, where Inaki Williams headed over from close range and Victor Lindelöf had to clear a shot off the line from Alex Berenguer, Manchester United gradually took control of the match. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Harry Maguire showed surprising finesse on the right flank. His cross was flicked into the path of Casemiro, who powered home a header to make it 1-0.
Seven minutes later, the game shifted decisively. A VAR review ruled that Dani Vivian had fouled Rasmus Højlund in the box, leading to a red card for the Bilbao defender and a penalty for United. Captain Bruno Fernandes silenced the home crowd with a composed finish from the spot, doubling United’s lead.
The visitors weren’t done yet. Just before halftime, Manuel Ugarte provided a clever flick that sent Fernandes through on goal, and the Portuguese midfielder calmly slotted in his second of the night to make it 3-0.
Bilbao, reduced to 10 men, struggled to respond. Casemiro nearly added a fourth early in the second half, clipping the outside of the post with a header. Although United couldn’t extend their lead further, the damage was already done. A three-goal cushion leaves Bilbao facing a mountain to climb when they visit Old Trafford next Thursday.
With Tottenham securing a 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in the other semi-final, an all-English final in Bilbao on 21 May is now a strong possibility.
For United, this win provides a huge boost in an otherwise disappointing season. Sitting 14th in the Premier League and far off Champions League qualification through domestic performance, the Europa League represents their best—and perhaps only—chance to end the season on a high and return to Europe’s top competition.
Fernandes Leads Manchester United to Victory Once More
Fernandes once again proved to be United’s talisman on the European stage. His two-goal performance, including a crucial penalty under pressure, showcased his leadership and ability to deliver in high-stakes moments. The midfielder now has 27 goals in the Europa League, drawing level with Romelu Lukaku and trailing only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Radamel Falcao in the competition’s all-time scoring charts.
United’s dominance, particularly in the first half, was built on quick transitions, decisive finishing, and a ruthlessness that has often been missing in their league form. Casemiro was central to that control, combining defensive stability with attacking threat—his header not only opened the scoring but nearly added a fourth as well.
Bilbao, meanwhile, paid the price for their missed chances early on and for Dani Vivian’s costly foul. Playing with 10 men for over an hour, they lacked the energy and structure to mount a comeback. Their only hope now lies in producing a miracle in Manchester, but based on United’s form in this tie, that seems highly unlikely.
As the second leg approaches, United will look to manage the game carefully, knowing that avoiding disaster is all that stands between them and a place in the final. The San Mames Stadium is also the venue for that final—a detail not lost on the players or manager. They’ve already made a statement there; now they just need to finish the job at home.
This victory might not erase the frustrations of a poor Premier League campaign, but it has injected belief into the squad and fans alike. With Fernandes leading the way, and key players like Casemiro and Maguire stepping up, United are suddenly just one solid performance away from a shot at European silverware.