Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Friday May 02, 2025 at 9:06 am
Find the main information to remember from the first leg semi-finals of the Europa League, notably marked by the beautiful victory of the Red Devils.
Le top : Manchester United
If Tottenham delivered a controlled service against Bodø/Glimt, Manchester United impressed by its rigor and effectiveness in the Athletic Bilbao (0-3). The Red Devils were able to fold the match in the first period, taking advantage of their technical superiority but also digital after the expulsion of Vivian in the 35th minute. With 72 % possession, 558 successful passes, and a perfectly organized defense, the men of Rúben Amorim have outlined a Basque team, however undefeated at home in C3. The victory is clear, deserved, and almost qualifying.
Le flop : Athletic Bilbao
We expected a demonstration of force from the Basques at home. But the lions cracked under pressure. If the first minutes were encouraging, with two frank occasions, Ernesto Valverde’s team collapsed after the first goal conceded. Between a avoidable expulsion, a lack of emotional mastery, and a flagrant offensive ineffectiveness (9 shots, 3 framed), Bilbao never knew how to compete. In Old Trafford, the miracle will now be a feat.
The best player: Bruno Fernandes
The captain of Manchester United has delivered a capital service. Scorer on penalty (37th), then on a good opening in the race (44th), he was also omnipresent in the offensive animation. Precise in his transmissions, sharp in his projections, Fernandes carried his own in this key moment of the season. With 7 goals in the Europa League this season, he confirms his status as a technical leader.
-Key figures:
39
Brennan Johnson quickly opened the scoring for Spurs. He scored the first goal of the meeting in the 39th second of play, from the first attempt at English training.
20
The Tottenham team has lost none of its last 20 home games in European competition. The Spurs won 16 wins and made 4 draws.
The training of Bodø/Glimt failed to afford a single serious opportunity in the first half. They finished the first round with 0 shot on a frame.
