It’s already a thrashing! Fernandes scores the third!

Bruno Fernandes scores from the penalty spot!

Maguire-Casemiro combination?

Fec

Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025

Time:

• Spain : 21:00 CEST
• ET : 15:00 | CT: 14:00 | PT: 12:00

Stadium: San Mamés, Bilbao

Referee: Andreas Eskås (Norway)

VAR: Aleandro Di Paolo (Italy)

Historic Rivalry Renewed

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Athletic Club hosts Manchester United in the first leg of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League semifinals at the iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao. With a spot in the final — also set to be played at San Mamés — on the line, the home side will be looking to seize a crucial emotional and competitive advantage.

This tie rekindles memories of the famous 2012 clash, when Athletic Club stunned Manchester United with a 5-3 aggregate win. Now, with both teams fighting for European redemption, the stakes are even higher — especially with the final being held on Athletic's home turf.

Led by Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club is enjoying an impressive season, sitting fourth in LaLiga and remaining undefeated at home in the Europa League. The absence of Oihan Sancet, who suffered a muscle injury vs Las Palmas, will force Valverde to reorganize his midfield. The pressure will fall on Nico Williams, who has been one of the team’s standout players, to spark the attack.

Despite a poor Premier League campaign (currently 14th), Manchester United, under Rúben Amorim, has looked more convincing in Europe. Their dramatic comeback against Lyon in the quarterfinals reignited hopes of salvaging the season. With the Champions League out of reach via domestic competition, the Europa League is now United's only path to top-tier European football next season.

Probable Lineups

Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)
Unai Simón; Óscar de Marcos, Yeray Álvarez, Vivian, Yuri Berchiche; Mikel Galarreta, Jon Jauregizar; Iñaki Williams, Álex Berenguer, Nico Williams; Maroan Sannadi

Manchester United (3-4-2-1)
Andre Onana; Victor Lindelöf, Harry Maguire, Lenny Yoro; Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu; Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Højlund

Key Factors

• Athletic’s Defensive Solidity : The best backline in LaLiga will be crucial in controlling the tempo at home, with the crowd’s support amplifying their resilience.
• The Sancet Effect : The midfielder’s absence disrupts Athletic’s rhythm, placing extra responsibility on Galarreta and Jauregizar to control the midfield.
• United Under Pressure : A faltering domestic campaign puts extra weight on this European run. Their offensive inconsistency remains a concern as they aim to escape Bilbao with a positive result.