Bilbao, Spain — Today, Athletic Club go face Manchester United for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, set to kick off at 21:00 local time. The match go dey refereed by Espen Eskas, while Daniele Chiffi go dey handle VAR duties. Fans fit catch the game live on Movistar.
Athletic Club, under coach Ernesto Valverde, just win their last game against Las Palmas on April 23, 2025, thanks to a lone goal from Iñaki Williams. In contrast, Manchester United, led by Rúben Amorim, just manage to secure a draw against Bournemouth last Sunday due to a late equalizer from Danish forward Højlund. United dey experience tough times as dem currently dey sit for 14th position for Premier League, with 10 wins, 9 draws, and 15 losses in 34 games.
For Copa del Rey, United no meet their expectations and got knocked out in the Round of 16 by Osasuna. Conversely, Athletic dey enjoy their Europa League campaign as dem don reach the semi-finals after 13 years, last appearing in 2012 when dem lose to Atlético de Madrid in final. Dem beat AS Roma and Rangers in earlier rounds, showcasing their determination with a strong home record by winning all their home games and keeping a clean sheet in 67% of them.
“Di atmosphere dey ginger us for San Mamés,” Valverde talk about their home advantage. “We go make sure say we play our game well and carry this momentum into the next leg.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United need to fulfill their ambitions in the Europa League to secure a spot in the next Champions League after struggling in the league. Their recent performance in Europe been impressive, knocking out Real Sociedad and Lyon, but them go face tough opposition in this tie. Amorim don commend Athletic for their strong home form and said, “This na an important match for us as we dey look for redemption this season.”
For today match, Athletic go miss Oihan Sancet due to injury. His absence go require Berenguer to step up, while United go rely heavily on Bruno Fernandes as their key player. The match dey set to be a memorable encounter, with both teams aiming for glory, and the crowd expect to bring the fire.
“United be big team, and we get a lot of respect for them,” Williams, the Athletic forward, said. “But we dey hopeful and ready, our fans deserve the best from us tonight.”
The game go take place at San Mamés Stadium where history and rivalry dey brew. With 52,144 fans expected to fill the stadium, the atmosphere go dey electric as Athletic hope to bounce back into final na dem homeland.
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