Bruno Fernandes scored twice to help Manchester United cruise to a 3–0 victory over 10-man Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, taking a huge step toward reaching the final.
Despite an intense atmosphere at San Mames and a strong start by the hosts, it was United who struck first through Casemiro, finishing off a surprise move that began with Harry Maguire’s rare run down the right flank. Moments later, a key turning point came when Athletic’s Daniel Vivian was shown a straight red card for tugging down Rasmus Hojlund in the box. Fernandes calmly converted the penalty to double United’s lead.
The Portuguese midfielder struck again before the break, slotting home after a clever backheel assist from Manuel Ugarte. The early three-goal blitz silenced the passionate Bilbao crowd, who had been dreaming of a historic final on home soil. San Mames is set to host the final on May 21.
Athletic had started brightly, with Alex Berenguer and Inaki Williams both threatening, but their momentum crumbled after the red card and United’s ruthless counter-attacks.
Though the second half saw fewer chances, United controlled possession, with Fernandes and Casemiro dictating the pace. Noussair Mazraoui came closest to adding a fourth, rattling the crossbar with a long-range strike.
Referee Espen Eskas came under fire from home supporters, especially after a controversial no-call on Maroan Sannadi late in the game. Fans waved their red-and-white tifo cards in protest as their side’s hopes faded.
United now return to Old Trafford with a commanding lead for the second leg next Thursday, where they will look to book a place in the final against either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt.
