UEL: Red Devils Cruise Past 10-Man Athletic Club

Manchester United defeats Athletic Club 3-0 in the Europa League semi-final first leg.

Manchester United secured a crucial 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in the Europa League semi-final, putting one foot in the final. The win marked the end of Athletic's unbeaten home record in the competition.

Despite Alejandro Garnacho's early goal being disallowed for offside, Manchester United maintained their attacking pressure. The Red Devils' dominant performance ultimately paid off, setting up a favorable position ahead of the second leg.

Athletic Club pressed forward early on, with Alex Berenguer hitting the woodwork and Iñaki Williams heading over. However, Victor Lindelof made crucial blocks to deny Williams and Berenguer, keeping the scoreline goalless.

The deadlock was broken when Harry Maguire's clever move created space for Casemiro to head home from Manuel Ugarte's flick-on. Athletic's fortunes worsened when Dani Vivian's foul on Rasmus Hojlund earned him a red card and a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes coolly converted.

Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde attempted to spark a comeback with a double substitution at halftime, but Manchester United extended their lead just three minutes into the second half, courtesy of another clinical finish from Bruno Fernandes.

The Red Devils created chances but were also wasteful, with Noussair Mazraoui hitting the crossbar and Casemiro having a shot tipped over and later heading against the post from a corner. As the match wore on, Athletic's frustrations grew, while United remained patient in possession, looking to capitalize on counter-attacks.

Man Utd stun Athletic Club 😲#UEL pic.twitter.com/WnQKGbDsY3

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 1, 2025

Agirrezabala made late saves to deny Fernandes and Garnacho, but Manchester United's lead was secure. The Red Devils earned a convincing win, ending a streak of sluggish performances and taking a significant step towards the Europa League final.

United's victory marked only Athletic's second loss in 11 matches, with the other defeat coming against Real Madrid. The Spanish side now face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit in the second leg, which they will host at Estadio San Mames.