The second-tier UEFA Europa League is heading into the semifinals with the Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd fixture looming ever closer. This first leg on Thursday, May 1, will take place at San Mamés as the Basque footballing giant will host one of the legendary British clubs.
Although Manchester United have had a tough time bagging this spot, it remains to be seen if the club can conquer this title. However, it will indeed be challenging as Athletic Bilbao has a pretty strong form. Before kickoff, this detailed preview will provide you with all the key facts about the clashing clubs. Let’s get into it.
Quick Facts
- Day and Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM (UK Time)
- Venue: Estadio de San Mamés, Bilbao
Match Preview
Current Form
| Athletic Bilbao Results | Manchester United Results |
|---|---|
| Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Las Palmas
(Apr 23, 2025: La Liga) |
Bournemouth 1-1 Man Utd
(Apr 27, 2025: Premier League) |
| Real Madrid 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
(Apr 20, 2025: La Liga) |
Man Utd 0-1 Wolves
(Apr 20, 2025: Premier League) |
| Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Rangers
(Apr 17, 2025: UEFA Europa League) |
Man Utd 5-4 Lyon
(Apr 17, 2025: UEFA Europa League) |
| Athletic Club 3-1 Rayo Vallencano
(Apr 13, 2025: La Liga) |
Newcastle 4-1 Man Utd
(Apr 13, 2025: Premier League) |
| Rangers 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
(Apr 10, 2025: UEFA Europa League) |
Lyon 2-2 Man Utd
(Apr 10, 2025: UEFA Europa League) |
Head-to-Head History
- Aug 6, 2023: Man Utd 1-1 Athletic Bilbao (Club Friendlies)
- Mar 15, 2012: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Man Utd (Europa League)
- Mar 9, 2012: Man Utd 2-3 Athletic Bilbao (Europa League)
- Feb 6, 1957: Athletic Bilbao 0-3 Man Utd (European Cup)
- Jan 16, 1957: Athletic Bilbao 5-3 Man Utd (European Cup)
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Injuries/Suspensions
Athletic Club are missing out on their Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon. Even their midfield is threatened due to Oihan Sancet and Unai Gomez’s injuries. However, their younger talent is ready to step up and give a tough fight.
Players to Watch
Nico Williams and Inaki Williams are the crucial players of Athletic Club, owing to the 5 goals that each has scored this season. Mikel Jauregizar and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta are other noteworthy players who have maintained impressive midfield control. Lastly, Óscar de Marcos and Daniel Vivian have intensely fortified Bilbao’s defence.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Agirrezabala; De Marcos, Yeray, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta
Ernesto Valverde’s style might combine Bilbao’s defensive prowess with a dynamic midfield to dominate the game against Man Utd. Their formation emphasises quick passes and intense action in the wings, focusing on set pieces and ball retention.
Manchester United Team News
Injuries/Suspensions
Unfortunately, Man Utd has a long list of absentees, including Lisandro Martinez, Toby Collyer, Diogo Dalot, and Ayden Heaven. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee has been ruled out for the entire season due to his injury. However, two key players, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo, might return to the matchday squad after coach Amorim updated about their recovery.
Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund are the top goalscorers of this league for Man Utd. The club’s Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro, is also a key player who combines his attacking style and defensive strength to control the midfield.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Lindelof; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Hojlund
For this clash, Ruben Amorim might implement a quick counter-attack style for Man Utd, to threaten the gaps in Bilbao’s attacks. They might also maintain a dynamic defensive structure for quick transitions during potential chances.
Key Stats and Insights
| Athletic Bilbao | Stats | Manchester United |
| 53.5% | Possession | 55.84% |
| 8 | Won | 7 |
| 2 | Drawn | 5 |
| 2 | Lost | 0 |
| 21 | Goals scored | 28 |
| 10 | Goals conceded | 17 |
| 1.75 | Avg goals scored per match | 2.34 |
| 0.84 | Avg goals conceded per match | 1.42 |
| 191 | Shots | 221 |
| 57 | Shots on target | 75 |
| 6 | Clean sheets | 2 |
Athletic Bilbao: Home Performance in Europa League
- Apr 17, 2025: Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Rangers
- Mar 13, 2025: Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Roma
- Jan 30, 2025: Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Viktoria Plzeň
- Nov 28, 2024: Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Elfsborg
- Oct 24, 2024: Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Slavia Praha
- Oct 3, 2024: Athletic Bilbao 2-0 AZ Alkmaar
Man Utd: Away Performance in Europa League
- Apr 10, 2025: Lyon 2-2 Man Utd
- Mar 6, 2025: Real Sociedad 1-1 Man Utd
- Jan 30, 2025: FCSB 0-2 Man Utd
- Dec 12, 2024: Viktoria Plzeň 1-2 Man Utd
- Oct 24, 2024: Fenerbahçe 1-1 Man Utd
- Oct 3, 2024: Porto 3-3 Man Utd
Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd: Betting Odds at 7bet
At the time of the article’s publication, 7bet offers the following odds on the Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd fixture.
1×2 Odds
| Athletic Bilbao (1) | x | Manchester United (2) |
| 1/1 | 7/3 | 3/1 |
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
| Yes | No |
| 20/21 | 4/5 |
Total
| Over 2.5 Goals | Under 2.5 Goals |
| 23/20 | 4/6 |
Please note that the odds are accurate as per the publishing time of the article. Make sure to check the odds before placing a bet.
If you wish to wager on this fixture, you can check other markets on our Europa League betting page.
Where to Watch the Europa League Live in the UK
Fans can catch all the action of the UEFA Europa League on TNT Sports.
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