The highly anticipated Europa League semifinal first leg between Athletic Bilbao and Manchester United takes place May 1st at San Mames Stadium at 3 PM ET, streaming on Paramount+ and Discovery+. Both teams, vying for a spot in the final, face significant challenges. Athletic Bilbao aims for Champions League qualification, while Manchester United seeks to salvage a disappointing domestic season.
United overcame Lyon in a dramatic extra-time quarterfinal, while Athletic Bilbao defeated Rangers 2-0 on aggregate. This marks their first meeting since the 2011-12 Europa League round of 16 and only their third overall.
Ruben Amorim hopes for a less dramatic semi-final, though United, excluding their Lyon comeback, have been winless since March 16th.
Possible lineups:
Athletic Bilbao: Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta
Manchester United: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Manchester United, currently 14th in the Premier League, is under pressure and reliant on Europa League success for European qualification. Injuries sideline eight players, including key defenders Martínez and de Ligt. Athletic Bilbao, known for its strong defense, will miss top scorer Sancet.
Analysts predict a tight, potentially low-scoring match. Athletic Bilbao's defense may neutralize Manchester United's struggling attack. Despite United's comeback against Lyon, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern. While historically Manchester United has had an advantage against Bilbao, recent form suggests a possible narrow victory for the home side.The absence of Sancet is a blow to Bilbao's attacking prowess, forcing others like the Williams brothers and Guruzeta to step up. Nico Williams, in particular, will be key in stretching United's backline and exploiting any gaps left by their makeshift defense.
Manchester United's reliance on Europa League glory casts a long shadow. Ten Hag's tactical approach will be intensely scrutinized. The midfield battle between Ugarte, Casemiro and Bilbao's Ruiz de Galarreta and Jauregizar will be crucial in dictating the tempo. Bruno Fernandes' creativity will be essential in unlocking Bilbao's tight defense, while Hojlund needs to find his scoring boots after a dry spell.
The experience of Maguire and Shaw will be invaluable in navigating the cauldron that is San Mames. However, their vulnerability to pace could be exploited by Bilbao's dynamic wingers. The inclusion of young players like Yoro and Dorgu signals Ten Hag's willingness to gamble, but their inexperience could be a liability against a seasoned Bilbao side.
The atmosphere at San Mames will undoubtedly favor the home team, adding to the pressure on a struggling Manchester United. While United's history offers a glimmer of hope, Bilbao's current form and defensive solidity make them slight favorites. A draw wouldn't be a disastrous result for United heading into the second leg at Old Trafford, but a defeat could spell the end of their European aspirations. Expect a tactical chess match, with both managers cautiously navigating the first leg in pursuit of a crucial advantage. Ultimately, the team that can minimize errors and capitalize on limited opportunities will likely emerge victorious, or at least with a favorable result to take back home.
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