Manchester United Dominate Athletic Club with a 3-0 Victory in Europa League Semi-Final First Leg

San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao – May 1, 2025

Manchester United delivered a masterclass performance, securing a resounding 3-0 win over Athletic Club in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final clash at San Mamés Stadium. Goals from Casemiro and a brace from captain Bruno Fernandes, combined with a disciplined tactical display under manager Rúben Amorim, handed United a commanding lead heading into the second leg at Old Trafford. Athletic Club’s hopes were further dented by a first-half red card to defender Dani Vivian, leaving the Basque side with a mountain to climb in the return fixture.

First Half: United Seize Control

From the opening whistle, Manchester United displayed intent, pressing high and exploiting gaps in Athletic’s defense. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Casemiro, the veteran midfielder, latched onto a precise pass from Manuel Ugarte to fire home the opener. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the traveling United fans, who sensed their team’s growing dominance.

Five minutes later, Athletic’s night took a turn for the worse. A clumsy challenge in the box led to a penalty for United and a red card for Vivian, reducing the hosts to ten men. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to the spot, coolly converting the penalty in the 37th minute to double United’s lead. The Portuguese playmaker wasn’t done, adding his second goal just before halftime in the 45th minute. A well-worked move, orchestrated by Ugarte’s second assist of the night, saw Fernandes curl a sublime effort past Athletic’s goalkeeper, sending United into the break with a 3-0 advantage.

Second Half: United Maintain Dominance

With a man advantage and a three-goal cushion, United controlled the second half, managing the game with maturity. Athletic Club, known for their formidable home record and having lost only once in their last ten matches across all competitions, struggled to create meaningful chances. Posts on X highlighted Athletic’s missed opportunities in the first half, with two big chances squandered before Vivian’s dismissal shifted the momentum decisively.

United’s defense, marshaled by Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui, stood firm, while young striker Rasmus Højlund and winger Alejandro Garnacho stretched Athletic’s depleted backline with their pace and movement. Amorim’s tactical setup, which has faced scrutiny during United’s inconsistent Premier League campaign (one win in seven games), looked tailor-made for European competition. Fans on X praised the manager’s system, with one post declaring it “Amorim’s tactics at their peak.”

Standout Performances

Bruno Fernandes was the undisputed star, earning a standing ovation from United supporters for his clinical finishing and leadership. Casemiro, often criticized for his form this season, silenced doubters with a goal and a commanding midfield display. Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan midfielder, emerged as a key figure, providing two assists and dictating play with composure. Social media buzzed with praise for Ugarte’s growing influence, with one X user noting, “Ugarte is quietly becoming United’s engine.”

Maguire’s defensive solidity, Mazraoui’s versatility, and Garnacho’s relentless energy also drew plaudits, while Højlund’s work rate kept Athletic’s defense on edge. For Athletic, the absence of Vivian exposed their backline, and despite early promise, they failed to test United’s goalkeeper significantly after the interval.

Implications for the Tie

The 3-0 scoreline gives Manchester United a formidable advantage heading into the second leg on May 8, 2025, at Old Trafford. A place in the Europa League final, set for May 21, 2025, in Istanbul, is now within touching distance for Amorim’s side. However, United will be wary of complacency, given Athletic’s reputation for resilience and their passionate fanbase, which could inspire a comeback attempt.

For Athletic Club, the task is daunting. Playing with ten men for over an hour and conceding three goals at home has left their European dreams hanging by a thread. Manager Ernesto Valverde will need to rally his squad for a miraculous performance in Manchester, but the red card and United’s clinical finishing have put the Basque outfit in a precarious position.

Fan and Media Reaction

The mood among Manchester United fans was euphoric, with social media platforms like X ablaze with celebration. Posts mocked Athletic’s defense, previously hailed as one of Spain’s best, with one user quipping, “Spain’s best defense? United made it look amateur.” Others hailed Amorim’s European pedigree, contrasting United’s continental form with their domestic struggles. The victory was seen as a statement of intent, boosting confidence in Amorim’s project despite a challenging Premier League season.

Media outlets echoed the sentiment, with Goal.com’s live commentary describing United’s first half as “ruthless” and UEFA.com noting Fernandes’ “match-defining brilliance.” The result also sparked discussion about United’s potential to end their trophy drought, with the Europa League now a realistic target.

Looking Ahead

Manchester United’s focus will now shift to their domestic campaign before the second leg. Amorim will aim to translate this European momentum into the Premier League, where consistency has been elusive. For Athletic Club, the priority is regrouping and addressing defensive vulnerabilities exposed by United’s attacking prowess.

With one foot in the Europa League final, Manchester United have sent a clear message to their rivals: they are a force to be reckoned with in Europe. The return leg promises to be a formality if United maintain this level of performance, but football’s unpredictability ensures nothing is guaranteed. For now, United fans can savor a night of dominance in Bilbao, with Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Amorim leading the charge toward European glory.

For live stats and further match details, visit UEFA.com or Goal.com.