Bruno Fernandes scored two goals. © ANSA / LUIS TEJIDO

Final in sight: Manchester and Tottenham step on the gas

The two Premier League clubs have one foot in the Europa League final after the first leg of their semi-final. Fiorentina, on the other hand, has to worry about a place in the Conference League final.

01 May 2025

From: apa/tu

The Europa League is set to feature an all-English final for the first time since 2019. Manchester United and Tottenham, two clubs struggling in the domestic league, are on the verge of reaching the final after each winning decisively in the first leg of their semi-finals. The Red Devils beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away on Thursday, while Spurs defeated Norwegian surprise team Bodö/Glimt 3-1 at home.

Bilbao started ambitiously and dominantly in the sold-out Estadio de San Mames, where the final will also take place on May 21, with euphoric support behind them. Inaki Williams headed just over the bar (11th minute), and United defender Victor Lindelöf was just able to clear the ball off the line (19th minute). The Basques were then caught cold.

United ice cold – Bilbao unlucky

Casemiro headed home what was, until then, a flattering lead (30'). Shortly afterward, Vivian grabbed Rasmus Höjlund's shoulder as he was receiving a cross. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty and sent the Bilbao defender off for denying Höjlund a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Captain Bruno Fernandes coolly converted the penalty (37'), and shortly before halftime, the Portuguese completed his brace with a well-considered finish (45').

Casemiro (left) scored. © APA/afp / ANDER GILLENEA

In the second half, United played skillfully with their numerical advantage and dominated the game. Casemiro headed the ball against the outside of the post (64'), and Alejandro Garnacho was denied a direct shot (84'). With ten men, Bilbao could no longer put United in a difficult position, and the dream of a final in their own stadium seemed a distant prospect. Manchester United are very close to reaching their first final after 2021. Their last Europa League title dates back to 2017.

Deserved home win with a blemish

In North London, Brennan Johnson sent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into a frenzy after just 37 seconds. The winger headed in after a pass from Richarlison. The lightning start visibly boosted Spurs. The home team, which did not feature Austrian international Kevin Danso, dominated the first half almost at will. James Maddison doubled the lead after a fine first touch, finding himself one-on-one with the visiting goalkeeper Nikita Haikin. Bodö/Glimt's first promising opportunity came in injury time.

Tottenham also had cause to celebrate. © ANSA / ANDY RAIN

After the break, the game initially changed little. Dominic Solanke converted from the penalty spot (61') after captain Cristian Romero was fouled in the penalty area. As the game wore on, however, Spurs slowed down, and this would come back to haunt them: a deflected shot from Ulrik Saltnes found its way into the net (83'). Nevertheless, Tottenham took a solid lead into the cold Bodø, setting up their next major final after the 2019 Champions League final, which they lost 0-2 to Liverpool.

Fiorentina loses

Fiorentina showed heart and character in a 1-2 defeat at Seville, keeping their hopes of reaching the Conference League final alive. Raffaele Palladino's side fell behind early through Ezzalzouli and conceded a second goal shortly after halftime through Antony. Instead of falling apart, however, the Viola fought back into the game. Ranieri scored a crucial away goal, while De Gea shone with some strong saves to keep his team in the game. Despite the defeat, Fiorentina returned home with the feeling that everything was still in play for the return leg at the Franchi.

Europa League, semi-final, first leg

Atheltic Bilbao – Manchester United 0:3
Goals: 0:1 Casemiro (30th), 0:2 Fernandes (37th), 0:3 Fernandes (45th)

Tottenham – Bodo/Glimt 3:1
Goals: 1:o Johnson (1st), 2:0 Maddison (34th), 3:0 Solanke (61st), 3:1 Saltnes (83rd)

Conference League, semi-final, first leg

Betis Sevilla – Fiorentina 2-1
Goals: 1:0 Ezzalzouli (6th), 2:0 Antony (64th), 2:1 Ranieri (73rd)

Djurgården 1-4 Chelsea
Goals: 0:1 Sancho (13th), 0:2 Madueke (43rd), 0:3 Jackson (59th), 0:4 Jackson (65th), 1:4 Mulugeta (68th)