Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur secured impressive victories in the first legs of their UEFA Europa League semi-finals, putting both teams in strong positions to advance to the final in Bilbao.
United claimed a commanding 3-0 win over Athletic Club in Spain, with captain Bruno Fernandes netting twice in a dominant team display.
Although Alejandro Garnacho had an early goal disallowed for offside, United soon went ahead when Casemiro headed home a cross from Harry Maguire.
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The game took a decisive turn after a VAR review revealed that Athletic’s Dani Vivian had pulled Rasmus Højlund’s shirt inside the penalty area. Vivian was sent off, and Fernandes converted the resulting penalty.
Fernandes added his second just before halftime, finishing confidently after a clever backheel assist from Manuel Ugarte, giving United a comfortable advantage going into the second leg.
United struck the post twice in the second half but comfortably maintained their 3-0 lead. Athletic Club, who had won all their Europa League home matches this season, struggled to recover after being reduced to 10 men.
Their chances of reaching the final on home soil now appear slim.
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In the other semi-final, Tottenham earned a 3-1 home victory over Norway’s Bodø/Glimt.
The game got off to a lightning start, with Brennan Johnson scoring just 38 seconds in following a header from Richarlison.
James Maddison doubled the lead with a superb first touch and a low finish, before Dominic Solanke made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Cristian Romero was brought down.
Bodø/Glimt were largely outclassed but managed a late consolation when Ulrik Saltnes’ deflected effort found the net — their only shot on target in the match.
Despite the strong result, there were concerns for Spurs as both Maddison and Solanke were forced off with injuries. The second leg in Norway could prove challenging, given Bodø/Glimt’s impressive home record in European competitions.
With both English sides carrying significant advantages, the prospect of an all-English final in Bilbao is becoming increasingly likely.
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