Athletic Bilbao Vs Manchester United: Red Devils Are Threatened With Shame At San Mames!

Nico Williams, a young Athletic Bilbao striker (photo: x @AthleticClub)

Athletic Bilbao are just one step away from the dream final at home, and their last challenge comes from the struggling Premier League giant Manchester United. Both teams will face each other in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday night May 1, at the San Mates Stadium, where the hosts are ambitious to bring the lead before traveling to Old Trafford next week.

Manchester United came with high confidence after dramatically reversing the situation against Lyon in the quarter-finals. After a 2-2 draw in France's first leg, United had a 4-2 aggregate lead at Old Trafford, before being equalized by Lyon who only played with 10 people. However, it was under pressure that Ruben Amorim's side showed their guts: three goals late from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire in the last six minutes led them to a 7-6 aggregate win and qualify in an extraordinary way.

The Red Devils previously sped smoothly in the new Europa League league phase with an average of two goals per game and finished third in the final standings before eliminating Real Sociedad in the round of 16. The 2017 Europa League champions have now won 14 of their last 15 legs duels in the competition.

Under Ruben Amorim, who may be experiencing a bad season domestically, United have actually appeared unbeaten in Europe this season in eight games, scoring 28 goals and leading in shot statistics and touch in the opponent's area compared to other teams.

However, Europe's outstanding performance contrasted with their conditions in the Premier League, where Rasmus Hojlund's late goal last weekend against Bournemouth saved them from defeat. The Europa League is now the last alternative way to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Historically, Manchester United has a bad record against Athletic Bilbao. From their previous four meetings, they only won once, it happened in 1957. The most memorable was the last meeting in the 2011-2012 season, when Marcelo Bielsa's Athletic Club beat United in the last two legs.

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao is ready to write a new history. After winning the Copa del Rey last season, they are now aiming for the Europa League final which happens to be held in their own homes. This will be their third semifinal in history, and on the previous two occasions 'in 1977 and 2012' they always made it to the final even though they ended up losing.

tai Valverde's troops have performed consistently this season. After defeating AS Roma and Rangers in the knockout phase, they have recorded six home wins in the Europa League this season, scoring 14 goals and conceding only two. In their last match, Inaki Williams scored a winning goal over Las Palmas, while his younger brother Nico Williams, was rested and will look fresh for this big game.

Athletic also got additional benefits for not playing last weekend, as the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, gave them extra rest time ahead of this duel. Momentum and motivation to appear in the final in front of the public San Mates is certainly an additional fuel.

In terms of player fitness, Manchester United faced a number of obstacles. Amad Diallo, Toby Collayer, and Matthijs de Ligt may return this week, but it is unlikely that they will appear in the first leg. Altay Bayindir and Ayden Heaven are in doubt, while Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee are likely to be out until the end of the season. Lisandro Martinez is still out for a long time.

With all the limitations, Bruno Fernandes will remain a key player. The captain recorded 29 goals involved in 31 Europa League knockout matches in this competition. He also scored three goals and three assists in just the previous three semifinal matches.

In Athletic's camp, Nico Williams performed outstanding at the San Mames this season, directly involved in seven goals from six Europa League games at home (five goals, two assists). He will be accompanied by his older brother, Inaki Williams, and possibly Gorka Guruzeta up front. However, they lost Oihan Sancet who was sidelined with a thigh injury. Meanwhile veteran Oscar De Marcos, who scored against United in 2012, may not start at the age of 36.

With everything the final dream at stake at home to Athletic and Champions League hopes for United This match is guaranteed to take place hot, tight, and full of drama. San Mames is ready to witness the fierce battle of two teams who are very hungry for the European trophy

Estimated Lineup:

Athletic Bilbao:Unai Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Inaki Williams, Berenguer, Nico Williams; Guruzeta

Manchester United: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund