England's top clubs want to save their season

The semifinals of the Euro League and the Conference League will take place on Thursday, with some interesting matches looming.

01 May 2025

From: do

Manchester United travels to Bilbao on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. After a dramatic quarter-final, in which United only beat Lyon by three goals in extra time, Ruben Amorim's team now faces a new challenge. While several injured players, such as Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo, are returning in time, the personnel situation remains tense. After a disastrous Premier League season, the Red Devils' goal is to salvage the current campaign.

Athletic Bilbao enters the match with confidence: The team is in strong form in La Liga, suffering only one defeat in their last ten matches and demonstrating impressive defensive skills. However, top scorer Oihan Sancet is out – a major blow for Ernesto Valverde's team. Nico Williams, however, should be fit again and could provide fresh impetus to the attack.

Spurs triumph or Norwegian fairytale?

The same applies to Tottenham as to United. The Londoners host Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening in a match that could prove a turning point in a mixed season for them. After a poor Premier League record and the 1-5 defeat to Liverpool, the focus is now entirely on European competition. Coach Ange Postecoglou has recently rested several regular players in order to field the best possible eleven in the fight for the Europa League title.

Richarlison and Tottenham are under pressure. © APA/afp / BEN STANSALL

Bodo/Glimt arrive as clear underdogs, but have earned respect in Europe with surprising victories – most recently against Lazio. Kjetil Knutsen's team impresses with bold attacking football and aims to cause a sensation in London. While Tottenham are desperate to reach the final, the Norwegian club dreams of continuing their fairytale European Cup journey.

Fiorentina challenges Betis

One league below, in the Conference League, Fiorentina will face Sevilla Betis in the semifinals, while Chelsea will face Djurgårdens for a place in the final. Betis is in a European semifinal for the first time after their quarterfinal victory over Jagiellonia Białystok.

Nicolo Zaniolo plays for Fiorentina. © ANSA / CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI

While the Green-Whites are in good form at home and have recently remained unbeaten against Italian teams, Fiorentina are looking to finally win the title after losing two finals in a row, but have to contend with their poor record against Spanish clubs and recent mixed away games in the Conference League.

Thursday, 21 p.m.

Europa League
Athletic Bilbao – Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur – FK Bofo/Glimt

Conference League
Betis Sevilla – Fiorentina
Djurgardens IF – Chelsea FC