Back to news
Manchester United thrash Athletic Bilbao to close in on Europa League final
@Source: the42.ie
Advertisement
League of Ireland
Horse Racing
TV Listings
GAA Fixtures
The Video Review
Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture
Rugby Weekly Extra
Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week
The Football Family
Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points
Advertisement
More Stories
Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring.Alamy Stock Photo
FreeEuro Vision
Manchester United thrash Athletic Bilbao to close in on Europa League final
Athletic’s dreams of winning a first European trophy on home turf appeared to go up in smoke.
10.06pm, 1 May 2025
Share options
MANCHESTER UNITED ARE on course to reach the Europa League final after Ruben Amorim’s side blew away 10-man Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in a stunning semi-final first leg in Spain.
The Red Devils’ worst-ever Premier League campaign has meant it has long been a case of Bilbao or bust for them, with the 21 May showpiece back at the Basque outfit’s San Mames stadium.
Athletic’s dreams of winning a first European trophy on home turf appeared to go up in smoke after their fierce start to Thursday’s match was followed by a first-half implosion, with Casemiro’s opener compounded by Daniel Vivian seeing red for bringing down Rasmus Hojlund.
Bruno Fernandes scored from the spot and United’s nerveless skipper added a second before the break at a furious San Mames, where Amorim’s men now look set to return later this month to face Bodo/Glimt or, more likely, Tottenham.
Advertisement
The Portuguese admitted on the eve of the game that Europa League glory would not save their season, but it would secure silverware and much-needed Champions League qualification for a side sat 14th in the Premier League standings.
Athletic need a miracle in Manchester next Thursday after a night they entered with such hope and excitement ended in an excruciating loss.
Press Association
View 4 comments
Send Tip or Correction
Embed this post
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Email “Manchester United thrash Athletic Bilbao to close in on Europa League final”.
Recipient's Email
Feedback on “Manchester United thrash Athletic Bilbao to close in on Europa League final”.
Your Feedback
Your Email (optional)
Report a Comment
Please select the reason for reporting this comment.
Please give full details of the problem with the comment...
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
before taking part.
Leave a Comment
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech
An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic
An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language
Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Please provide additional information
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
Leave a commentcancel
Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user
View our policy
⚠️ Duplicate comment
Post Comment
have your say
Or create a free account to join the discussion
Euro Vision
Europa League
Manchester United
News in 60 seconds
FreeMatch Report
Nottingham Forest beaten at home by Brentford as Champions League hopes dented
24 mins ago
Freegaa team news
Kerry make six changes for Munster football final against Clare
Lions series success has become rare. Farrell is determined to change that
Freeback-to-back
Teahupoo delivers again for Gordon Elliott, defending crown at Punchestown
Freeeasy as you like
Majborough earns Willie Mullins a 200th win of season on home soil
Analysishead to head
The Galway rising defensive star, the Mayo attacking leader - Connacht final key duel
FreePodcastThe 42 GAA Weekly
Concerts or games: What’s the priority for Croke Park?
the best laid plans
'One of them dropped out' - Hallgrimsson's innovative May friendlies idea scuppered
FreeGame Recognise Game
Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast: Lions rivals but 'loosely in touch' since first meeting in 2022
Gavan Casey
Match Officials
Piardi, Amashukeli, and O’Keeffe to referee Lions Tests
Champions League
Barca fight back against Inter in sensational semi-final draw
more from us
Investigates
Daft.ie Property Magazine
Allianz Home Magazine
The 42 Sports Magazine
Money Diaries
The Journal TV
Journal Media
Advertise With Us
About FactCheck
Our Network
FactCheck Knowledge Bank
Terms & Legal Notices
Terms of Use
Cookies & Privacy
Advertising
Competition
more from us
TV Listings
GAA Fixtures
The Video Review
Journal Media
Advertise With Us
Our Network
The Journal
FactCheck Knowledge Bank
Terms & Legal Notices
Terms of Use
Cookies & Privacy
Advertising
Competition
© 2025 Journal Media Ltd
Terms of Use
Cookies & Privacy
Advertising
Competition
Switch to Desktop
Switch to Mobile
The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie
Report an error, omission or problem:
Your Email (optional)
Create Email Alert
Create an email alert based on the current article
Email Address
One email every morning
As soon as new articles come online
Sign in or create
a free account
To continue reading create a free account
Or sign into an existing account
Related News
24 Apr, 2025
India News | Karnataka Cabinet Clears Pr . . .
06 Apr, 2025
Is Brentford vs Chelsea on TV? Confirmed . . .
21 Mar, 2025
RAF Typhoon jets ‘in talks to patrol Ukr . . .
17 Apr, 2025
UK banning EU cheese and meat to stop fo . . .
30 Mar, 2025
Rangers matchwinner Cyriel Dessers brand . . .
08 Apr, 2025
Wayne Gretzky says he's a proud Canadian . . .
13 Mar, 2025
Professional football player accused of . . .
22 Mar, 2025
India News | Researchers Look into Futur . . .