Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes defeated Athletic Club to reach the Europa League final.
Bruno Fernandes Strikes Twice as Man Utd Dominate 10-Man Athletic Club in Europa League Semifinal First Leg
Manchester United took a commanding step toward the Europa League final with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club in Bilbao, thanks to three first-half goals and a standout performance from Bruno Fernandes.
In a charged atmosphere at San Mamés, United silenced the home crowd when Casemiro tapped in at the back post on 30 minutes. Just five minutes later, Bilbao’s Daniel Vivian was sent off for a foul on Rasmus Højlund in the box, and Fernandes coolly converted the penalty to double United’s lead.
The United captain wasn’t done—he added a third before halftime, racing onto a flick from Manuel Ugarte to effectively seal the match, and perhaps the tie. Despite early pressure from the La Liga side, who were fueled by the prospect of hosting the final at their own stadium on May 21, Bilbao couldn’t respond with a man down.
“We’ve got one foot in the final,” Harry Maguire told TNT Sports. “But it’s not done.”
United, unbeaten in Europe this season, have used the Europa League as a refuge from a dismal domestic campaign. Their goal tally in just seven Europa League matches now surpasses what they’ve managed in 15 Premier League games this calendar year.
Athletic, currently fourth in LaLiga with the division’s best defensive record, started brightly and nearly scored through Iñaki Williams. But after Casemiro’s opener shifted momentum, and Vivian’s red card changed the match, United took full control.
Fernandes’ composure under pressure stood out, particularly as he slotted his penalty amid deafening whistles from the home crowd. Casemiro nearly added a fourth after the break, but his header struck the post.
United’s dominant win means history is firmly on their side: all 133 teams to win the first leg of a UEFA Cup or Europa League knockout tie by three or more goals away from home have gone on to advance.
