Manchester United Crush 10-Man Bilbao to Close in on Europa Final

Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League final after dismantling 10-man Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in a fiery semi-final first leg at San Mames. In what has been a disastrous Premier League campaign, this competition has become United’s last lifeline for silverware and a route back to the Champions League — and Ruben Amorim’s side delivered when it mattered most.

A Night of Drama in the Basque Country

Athletic Bilbao, playing in front of a raucous home crowd, began with real purpose. The hosts created early chances, with Inaki Williams heading narrowly over and Alex Berenguer testing Andre Onana from range. United looked unsettled, and Victor Lindelof was forced into a crucial goal-line clearance to keep the game level.

United thought they’d taken an early lead through Alejandro Garnacho, only for VAR to rule him fractionally offside in the fifth minute. But the breakthrough eventually came in the 30th minute through an unlikely source.

Maguire’s Moment, Casemiro’s Finish

Centre-back Harry Maguire — under intense scrutiny in recent weeks — turned the tide with a moment of brilliance down the right, delivering a cross that Manuel Ugarte flicked on for Casemiro to head home powerfully at the far post. It was a hammer blow for Bilbao, who had dominated the opening stages.

Moments later, the match turned on its head. Rasmus Hojlund, racing onto a Noussair Mazraoui cross, was brought down by Daniel Vivian inside the box. VAR intervened, with referee Espen Eskas awarding a penalty and dismissing the Athletic defender. Amid a furious atmosphere, Bruno Fernandes calmly converted the spot-kick, doubling United’s lead.

Captain’s Double and Bilbao’s Collapse

Before half-time, Fernandes struck again. Ugarte slid a clever ball through for the Portuguese midfielder, who finished coolly past Julen Agirrezabala to make it 3-0. The San Mames crowd, electric before kickoff, vented their fury at officials as tempers frayed on the pitch and in the stands.

United nearly grabbed a fourth in stoppage time when Mazraoui’s thumping strike rattled the crossbar, with Bilbao clinging on to avoid further damage.

United Stay in Control

The second half saw United manage the game professionally, rarely leaving themselves open to counterattacks. Casemiro struck the woodwork with another header and substitute Amad Diallo returned from injury, while Matthijs de Ligt made a late cameo.

Athletic’s night went from bad to worse when frustrated fans waved white cards in protest after Maguire avoided a booking for a second-half challenge. Bilbao struggled to muster a meaningful response, their hopes of a historic final on home soil now all but extinguished.

What’s Next

United will carry a commanding 3-0 advantage back to Old Trafford next week, where they’ll look to finish the job and book a place in the May 21 final at San Mames — a venue they now have every chance of returning to. Their likely opponent? Either Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt or Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham. For Athletic, a miracle is required to turn around this tie after a chastening night in the Basque Country.

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