In a spectacular night at San Mames, Bruno Fernandes emerged as the hero for Manchester United, scoring twice in their 3-0 away win over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals. Tottenham Hotspur also took a commanding 3-1 lead over Bodo/Glimt, setting up the possibility of an all-English final.
Fernandes Ignites United’s Europa League Dream
Manchester United put their Premier League struggles aside with a dominant display in Europe, extending their unbeaten run in the Europa League and putting one foot firmly in the final. Goals from Casemiro and a brace by captain Bruno Fernandes handed them a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on May 9, link Jun88.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 30th minute after a clever setup by center-back Harry Maguire. Bilbao’s task became even harder five minutes later when defender Dani Vivian was sent off. Fernandes quickly capitalized, converting the resulting penalty before adding a second just before the break.
“I’ll Die on the Pitch for United,” Says Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes, who declined advice to rest before the match, made a powerful post-game statement:
“This win was all about belief. The manager and fitness staff told me I should take a break, but I refused. I’ll give everything for Manchester United to win this title. There’ll be plenty of time to rest when I’m dead—not now.”
Mascherano Warns Against Complacency
United head coach Amorim praised the performance but urged his squad to stay focused:
“A 3-0 away win is fantastic, but this tie isn’t over. We must be fully prepared for the return leg. Athletic Bilbao are capable of turning things around, and we can’t afford to be complacent at Old Trafford.”
The result shocked many, given that Bilbao currently sits fourth in La Liga and had been unbeaten at home in European competition this season. Read more Đăng ký Jun88
Spurs Also Eye the Final
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur claimed a 3-1 victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in London, giving themselves a strong cushion heading into the return fixture, also scheduled for May 9.
Should both United and Spurs reach the final, it would mark a unique showdown between two Premier League clubs potentially finishing outside the top 10—or even as low as 17th—in the domestic league. The Europa League final will be held on May 22 at the iconic San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.
Conference League Highlights
In the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals, Chelsea eased past Swedish side Djurgardens with a 4-1 victory, while Real Betis edged Fiorentina 2-1 in Spain. The return legs for both ties will also take place on May 9.
