Red Devils Run Riot in Bilbao: United Crush 10-Man Athletic in Europa League Semi

A frantic, unforgettable night at San Mames saw Manchester United stun Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. In a match that had everything goals, controversy, a red card, and relentless drama it was United who emerged with a dominant advantage ahead of next week’s return leg.

Athletic started strong, with Inaki Williams and Alex Berenguer causing early problems for the visitors. But despite their bright start, the Basques were left stunned when Casemiro nodded home the opener on 30 minutes, connecting with Ugarte’s flick from a Maguire cross.

The real chaos arrived just five minutes later. VAR intervened after Dani Vivian tugged Rasmus Hojlund inside the box, leading to a penalty for United and a straight red card for the Athletic defender. Bruno Fernandes converted coolly from the spot, and with the home crowd reeling, the Portuguese playmaker struck again soon after, finishing a slick Ugarte back-flick to put United 3-0 up before half-time.

For United, it’s their biggest half-time lead away in Europe since the FA Cup demolition of Tranmere in 2020, while for Athletic, it marks their heaviest home defeat in six years. Hopes of reaching a Europa League final on home soil now hang by a thread.

An all-English final could be on the cards with Tottenham also having won their first leg, but for now, Ruben Amorim’s side will aim to finish the job next week at Old Trafford. Athletic, meanwhile, must pick themselves up quickly ahead of a derby clash with Real Sociedad  and attempt a miracle comeback in Manchester.