The Europa League semifinal first leg between Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United on May 1st at San Mames Stadium promises to be a highly anticipated clash. The match is set to kick off at 3 PM ET and will be available for live streaming on platforms such as Paramount+ and Discovery+ . Both teams have shown resilience throughout the tournament, but they face significant challenges as they vie for a place in the final. Athletic Bilbao aims for Champions League qualification, while Manchester United seeks redemption after a disappointing domestic campaign .
The quarter-finals were certainly not short on drama as United scored three goals in a frenetic period of extra time to turn over Lyon, while Athletic saw off Rangers 2-0 on aggregate. It will be the two clubs’ first meeting since the 2011-12 Europa League round of 16, with their only other meetings coming back in 1957.
Ruben Amorim will hope to keep the semi-final rather more straightforward, but that may not be easy - barring the Lyon comeback, United are winless since March 16, when they beat Leicester 3-0.
Athletic Bilbao possible starting lineup: Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Manchester United enters the match under considerable pressure, currently positioned 14th in the Premier League standings. They are reliant on success in this competition as they aim for European qualification . However, United's squad faces notable challenges with eight players sidelined due to injuries, including key defenders like Lisandro Martínez and Matthijs de Ligt. In contrast, Athletic Bilbao boasts a strong defensive record but will also miss their top scorer Oihan Sancet due to injury concerns.
Analysts predict a tightly contested encounter with a potential low-scoring outcome. The strong defensive capabilities of Athletic Bilbao may neutralize Manchester United's struggling attack . While both teams have shown resilience throughout the tournament—especially United’s comeback against Lyon—defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern for them moving forward . Observers suggest that despite historical advantages favoring Manchester United in previous encounters against Bilbao, recent form indicates a possible narrow victory for the home side.
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