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| Foto: MancasterUnited |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,Tanjung Pandan, Bangka Belitung Islands – May 9, 2025 – Manchester United have emphatically booked their place in the UEFA Europa League final after a commanding 4-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford in the second leg of their semi-final clash. The dominant performance secured a resounding 7-1 aggregate win for the Red Devils, setting up a mouth-watering all-English final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite carrying a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg in Spain, Erik ten Hag’s side initially found themselves trailing on the night. Athletic Bilbao’s Mikel Jaureguizar silenced the Old Trafford faithful with a well-taken strike from outside the box in the 31st minute, giving the Basque side a glimmer of hope.
However, Manchester United showcased their resilience and firepower in the second half, staging a remarkable comeback. Substitute Mason Mount proved to be the catalyst, leveling the score in the 72nd minute with a precise curling shot into the far corner.
The floodgates then opened for the home side. Casemiro, the experienced midfielder, headed home a Bruno Fernandes free-kick just eight minutes later to put United ahead on the night. Rasmus Højlund further extended the lead in the 85th minute, tapping in a low cross from the impressive Amad Diallo.
Mount then capped off a memorable performance and sealed United’s emphatic victory with a stunning second goal in added time. Spotting the Bilbao goalkeeper off his line, the England international unleashed a brilliant left-footed strike from just inside the Athletic half, sending the Old Trafford crowd into raptures.
The emphatic win sees Manchester United progress to their ninth major European final and their first since the 2020/21 Europa League final. Their opponent in the showpiece event, to be held in Bilbao, Spain, will be Tottenham Hotspur, who overcame Bodo/Glimt in their semi-final tie.
Mason Mount’s impactful performance, including his first goals at Old Trafford, will undoubtedly be the talking point. His two strikes, along with goals from Casemiro and Højlund, ensured a dominant second-leg display and underlined Manchester United’s determination to secure European silverware.
While their Premier League campaign has been turbulent, this dominant Europa League semi-final victory provides a significant boost for Manchester United as they look forward to a highly anticipated final against their English rivals. The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the Europa League campaign.