Manchester United Crush Athletic Bilbao to Secure Europa League Final Spot

In a thrilling display at Old Trafford, Manchester United delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final, securing a 7-1 aggregate triumph and a place in the final against Tottenham Hotspur. The match, played on May 8, 2025, showcased United’s resilience and attacking prowess, with substitute Mason Mount stealing the spotlight with two sensational goals.

The evening began with tension as Athletic Bilbao, trailing 3-0 from the first leg, came out with intent. Their high-pressing game plan unsettled United early, and in the 31st minute, Mikel Jauregizar stunned the home crowd with a curling 22-yard strike after Harry Maguire’s error allowed Bilbao to regain possession. The goal injected belief into the visitors, who sensed a potential comeback despite their depleted squad, missing key attackers Inaki Williams, Nico Williams, and Oihan Sancet due to injuries, and defender Dani Vivian through suspension.

United, however, weathered the storm. Despite a nervy first half where Alejandro Garnacho squandered a one-on-one chance and goalkeeper Andre Onana made a risky pass that nearly cost them, the Red Devils regrouped. Manager Ruben Amorim’s side, languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, showed their European pedigree. The turning point came in the final 18 minutes, as United unleashed a devastating flurry of goals to dash Bilbao’s hopes.

The equalizer arrived in the 72nd minute when Leny Yoro’s precise pass found Mount, who had come off the bench. With a deft touch, Mount spun and curled a right-footed shot past Bilbao’s goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, igniting the Stretford End. The momentum shifted decisively, and soon after, Rasmus Hojlund tapped in from a pinpoint cross by Amad Diallo, restoring United’s aggregate dominance. Casemiro, a constant thorn in Bilbao’s side, added a headed goal, marking his second against the Spanish side in this tie.

The night belonged to Mount, who capped a remarkable cameo with a jaw-dropping 45-yard strike in stoppage time. Spotting Agirrezabala off his line, Mount seized on a poor clearance and lashed a first-time, left-footed effort into the unguarded net. The former Chelsea man, who has faced injury setbacks since joining United, reflected on his moment of magic: “I saw the keeper out and just thought, hit it. It’s been tough with injuries, but nights like this make it all worth it.”

Amorim praised his team’s character, noting their ability to overcome a shaky start. “We were sloppy at times, but the players showed heart. Mason’s quality changed the game, and now we focus on the final,” he said. United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, who was instrumental in the first leg with a brace, also played a key role in driving the team forward, though he was overshadowed by Mount’s heroics.

Bilbao, despite their spirited effort, couldn’t overcome the absence of their star players and the first-leg deficit. Manager Ernesto Valverde acknowledged the challenge: “We gave everything, but United’s quality and our missing players made it tough.” The Basque side’s early promise faded as United’s depth and clinical finishing proved too much.