Manchester United thrash Athletic Club, Tottenham beat Bodo/Glimt in Europa League semi-final first legs to edge closer to the final.
Athletic Club 0-3 Manchester United (First Leg)
Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao
Key Scorers:
- Casemiro (30′)
- Bruno Fernandes (37′ pen, 45′)
Red Card:
- Dani Vivian (35′, Athletic Club)
Manchester United seized control of their Europa League semi-final with a clinical 3-0 away win over Athletic Club in Bilbao. After early threats from the hosts, United flipped the momentum in a 15-minute first-half blitz.
Casemiro opened the scoring with a header after a clever flick from Harry Maguire’s cross. Soon after, a VAR-reviewed foul on Rasmus Hojlund led to a penalty and a red card for Dani Vivian. Bruno Fernandes calmly converted from the spot and struck again just before halftime with a composed finish, assisted by Manuel Ugarte.
Casemiro later hit the post as United pushed for a fourth, but the damage was already done. Erik ten Hag’s men now return to Old Trafford with one foot in the final.
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Bodo/Glimt (First Leg)
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Key Scorers:
- Brennan Johnson (1′)
- James Maddison (34′)
- Dominic Solanke (61′ pen)
- Ulrik Saltnes (83′, Bodo/Glimt)
Tottenham Hotspur made a strong start in their semifinal clash, beating Bodo/Glimt 3-1 at home. Brennan Johnson put Spurs ahead just 38 seconds in, the fastest goal in this Europa League campaign. James Maddison doubled the lead before the break with a powerful finish after a precise long ball from Pedro Porro.
In the second half, Cristian Romero won a penalty that Dominic Solanke converted to make it 3-0. However, a late deflected strike from Ulrik Saltnes gave the Norwegian underdogs a crucial away goal to keep the tie alive.
Manager Ange Postecoglou faces some nervous moments, with injuries to both Maddison and Solanke casting doubt over their availability for the return leg in Norway.
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