Bruno Fernandes Masterclass Powers Man United to 3-0 Win Over 10-Man Athletic Club
Thursday, May 1, 2025 — WafricNews
Manchester United took a giant step toward the UEFA Europa League final with a commanding 3-0 victory over Athletic Club in Bilbao, as Bruno Fernandes delivered a captain’s performance to remember.
The Red Devils seized control of the semi-final first leg thanks to two first-half goals from Fernandes and a powerful header from Casemiro, capitalizing on a costly red card for Athletic’s Daniel Vivian.
Key Moments at San Mamés
- 30’ – Casemiro heads in opener after smart Ugarte flick
- 35’ – Vivian sent off for reckless challenge on Højlund
- 37’ – Fernandes buries the resulting penalty
- 45’ – Fernandes curls in a sensational second
- 64’ – Casemiro strikes the post with another header
First-Half Blitz Leaves Athletic Reeling
Athletic Club started brightly in front of a raucous home crowd, with Iñaki Williams and Alex Berenguer testing the visitors early. But Manchester United weathered the storm and struck with ruthless precision.
The breakthrough came when Harry Maguire – showing flashes of attacking flair – broke down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross. Manuel Ugarte’s clever flick at the near post found Casemiro, who nodded home to open the scoring.
Moments later, the game tilted decisively United’s way as Vivian saw red for bringing down Højlund in the box. Fernandes stepped up and slotted home the penalty with ease.
As Athletic scrambled to reorganize, United struck again. Ugarte, once more at the heart of things, produced a slick back-heel to find Fernandes, who curled a composed finish past the helpless keeper to make it 3-0 by half-time.
Second Half Under Control
With the damage done, United played with control and composure after the break. Casemiro nearly added a fourth with another header that clattered the woodwork, while Amad Diallo made a welcome return from injury as a late substitute.
Athletic Club, down a man and chasing the game, struggled to threaten André Onana’s goal, with United’s backline expertly marshaled by Maguire and Lindelöf.
Post-Match Reactions
Rúben Amorim, Man United manager:
"We took our chances and showed composure. This squad has big-game experience – players like Bruno, Casemiro, and Harry know what it takes. But nothing is finished. At Old Trafford, we must finish the job."
"We took our chances and showed composure. This squad has big-game experience – players like Bruno, Casemiro, and Harry know what it takes. But nothing is finished. At Old Trafford, we must finish the job."
Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club coach:
"We weren’t sharp in front of goal and paid for our mistakes. When you face a team like United, one slip can cost you everything. We’ll regroup and fight in Manchester."
"We weren’t sharp in front of goal and paid for our mistakes. When you face a team like United, one slip can cost you everything. We’ll regroup and fight in Manchester."
Harry Maguire, United defender:
"The crowd was intense early on, but we stayed calm and took control. The red card changed the game, and we were clinical – that’s what made the difference."
"The crowd was intense early on, but we stayed calm and took control. The red card changed the game, and we were clinical – that’s what made the difference."
Yeray Álvarez, Athletic defender:
"It hurts, but we still believe. There are 90 minutes left and we’ll go to Manchester with everything we’ve got. We owe that to ourselves and our fans."
"It hurts, but we still believe. There are 90 minutes left and we’ll go to Manchester with everything we’ve got. We owe that to ourselves and our fans."
By the Numbers
- United remain unbeaten in 13 Europa League games this season (W8 D5)
- Fernandes now has 27 Europa League goals – tied for third all-time
- The Portuguese midfielder also tops this season’s scoring charts with 7 goals
- United have lost just once in their last 10 against Spanish sides
- Only 1 of United’s last 64 European fixtures has ended goalless
Line-Ups
Athletic Club: Agirrezabala; De Marcos (Gorosabel 42), Vivian, Yeray, Berchiche; Galarreta (Prados 42), Jaureguizar; I. Williams (Djaló 89), Berenguer (Paredes 42), N. Williams (Gómez 79); Sannadi
Manchester United: Onana; Yoro, Maguire (De Ligt 65), Lindelöf; Mazraoui (Shaw 74), Ugarte (Mount 65), Casemiro, Dorgu (Diallo 84); Fernandes, Højlund, Garnacho (Mainoo 84)
What’s Next?
The decisive second leg kicks off at Old Trafford on Thursday, May 8. Should United finish the job, they’ll head to the final at San Mamés on May 21 to face either Tottenham or Bodø/Glimt.
By WafricNews Sport Desk.
By WafricNews Sport Desk.
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