Manchester United Crush Athletic Bilbao to Set Up Europa League Final Against Tottenham

Manchester United have stormed into the UEFA Europa League final with an emphatic 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford, sealing a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory and booking a mouthwatering showdown with Tottenham Hotspur on May 21 in Bilbao.

Following a commanding 3-0 first-leg victory in Spain, the atmosphere in Manchester was electric. Red smoke filled the sky and fireworks lit up Old Trafford as fans hoped for more magic from Ruben Amorim’s side—despite a Premier League campaign riddled with inconsistency and disappointment.

Amorim made eight changes from the side that lost 4-3 to Brentford last weekend, reverting to the team that had started in the first leg. Bilbao, meanwhile, were without key players including Nico and Inaki Williams, and top-scorer Oihan Sancet, with defender Dani Vivian suspended after his red card in the first leg.

Despite being heavy underdogs, Athletic Bilbao threatened early and stunned the home crowd in the 31st minute when Mikel Jauregizar curled in a sensational strike from outside the box after a defensive lapse by United. The goal injected tension into the tie, as the visitors dominated long stretches and looked the more dangerous side.

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But United’s second-half substitutions changed everything. With just 18 minutes to go, Mason Mount, who has endured a frustrating, injury-hit spell at Old Trafford, brought the crowd to life with a composed finish to level the match. From that point on, it was one-way traffic.

Casemiro powered in a header from a Bruno Fernandes cross, before Rasmus Hojlund tapped home a third to put the tie well beyond doubt. Then, in a moment of brilliance and opportunism, Mount added a spectacular second goal from near the halfway line, punishing a poor clearance by Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala.

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The comeback not only showcased United’s attacking depth but also underscored their resilience under pressure—something fans haven’t seen consistently this season.

The win offers a rare bright spot in a tumultuous campaign and keeps alive hopes of ending the year with silverware and, crucially, Champions League qualification, which comes with lifting the Europa League trophy.

For Athletic, the result ends a promising European journey. Coach Ernesto Valverde, hampered by injuries and suspensions, saw his side start brightly but fade as United’s firepower proved too much to handle.

Now, all eyes turn to May 21, where Manchester United will face Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the final at San Mamés in Bilbao—a fitting venue for what promises to be a high-stakes all-English clash for European glory.