Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Manchester United savored their encounter in Bilbao so thoroughly that they are poised to make a return visit. They stand alone as the only team undefeated among over 100 sides in the Europa League over the past eight months. Even if they suffer their first loss in the coming weeks, they are well-placed to secure a spot in the final match of the season, potentially concluding it victoriously in the same venue.
The Europa League Encounter
United stepped into the stage affectionately termed the “Cathedral” and triumphed over Athletic Club with such dominance that the return leg presents minimal peril. Athletic had conceded merely 10 goals across all competitions, but United netted three in a swift quarter of an hour, displaying a striking offensive prowess.
Goals and Key Moments
An opening goal from Casemiro and two additional strikes from Bruno Fernandez secured a commanding lead. The first goal from the penalty spot was accompanied by a red card for Dani Vivian, effectively shattering Athletic’s aspirations and virtually guaranteeing United’s return on May 21 to face either Tottenham or Bodø/Glimt.
Performance and Strategy
United’s performance was marked by efficiency and mastery, embodying the team and club they aspire to be: contenders for a European title that could serve as their redemption and offer a glimpse of future promise, including qualification for the Champions League. They concluded the match appearing on a different tier compared to their adversaries.
Athletic’s Early Efforts
Athletic started assertively, earning the first corner and generating early roars of support within 90 seconds. While United aimed to regulate the tempo, Athletic sought to accelerate. United’s possession was less about creating chances for themselves and more about facilitating opportunities for Athletic to pressure and counter. This proactive approach, however, left them vulnerable to counterattacks.
Four minutes into the game proved this vulnerability. Manuel Ugarte slid into the right channel, setting up Aleix Garnax, who believed he had opened the scoring. The goal was disallowed for offside, but it also functioned as a caution and an incentive for United to utilize the same flank.
United’s Resilient Start
- André Onana made a crucial save from Alex Berenguer.
- Iñaki Williams headed just over the bar.
- Victor Lindelof twice intervened decisively, notably blocking a shot from five yards out.
The second block, executed almost on the line, should have resulted in a goal for Athletic. However, United weathered the storm, and just before the half-hour mark, they took the lead through an unlikely hero, Harry Maguire.
Key Contributions
Maguire, who had previously proven crucial in the astonishing comeback against Lyon, repeated his heroics. This time, he showcased his skill by conjuring a cross from the right that led to Casemiro nodding United into the lead. Just two minutes later, United doubled their advantage, gaining a considerable edge in the tie.
Once more, the right flank presented the opportunity. When Mazraoui delivered a cross, Rasmus Højlund went down, and Viván was dismissed following a VAR review into Højlund’s penalty appeal. Fernandes converted the penalty, and Athletic’s hopes seemed dashed. A third goal followed, courtesy of Højlund and Fernandes, extending United’s lead further.
Managing the Second Half
United maintained control in the second half, never in genuine danger. They managed the game comfortably, showcasing clear superiority and a potential threat to extend their lead. Athletic’s sporadic efforts were a reminder of their dwindling fortunes, while United continued to dominate, securing their path to a return visit.
United will surely return to Bilbao, standing on the brink of a triumphant conclusion to their Europa League journey.