Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao are playing the second leg of their Europa League semi-finals at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United.
Man Utd won the first leg 3-0 away at Bilbao. In case the aggregate after the end of the second 90’ is even, extra time follows, and after that (if necessary) a penalty shootout. The winner of this leg will advance and face either Bodo/Glimt or Tottenham Hotspur in the final at San Mames.
What We Know
- The first leg win was the first-ever win for United against Bilbao after two straight defeats.
- It was the fourth consecutive game in which United scored at least two goals.
- Four wins and two draws at home for United, though with only one clean sheet.
- Bilbao has a balanced record away from home (2-2-2, five of which saw BTTS).
Betting Tip: Manchester United - Athletic Bilbao
United has a commanding lead in this draw, and Bilbao is standing with its back against the wall. We expect goals, and our pick is United to win or draw and BTTS.
- Prediction: Manchester United or draw & BTTS
- Odds: 2.25 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 5
Manchester United
Quite possibly the best possible outcome in the first leg for United, winning 0-3 in an away match. United took control of the game in the 35th minute when Bilbao defender Vivian got sent off for making a foul that resulted in a penalty.
The Basque side did start off better before that, though they were not able to materialise their superiority into chances.
Harry Maguire delivered an excellent cross that eventually found Casemiro, who did not miss from close range. Five minutes later came the penalty, won by Hojlund and converted by the captain, Bruno Fernandes. United took advantage and put their foot on Bilbao’s neck, and Bruno scored his 7th goal in this season’s campaign.
Ruben Amorim urged his players to maintain their focus and composure in the second leg game to be played in Manchester. United remain unbeaten in Europe, maintaining the scoring streak.
Four of their home games have seen BTTS and over 2.5 goals, with just one clean sheet in six. The poor results in the domestic league continued, this time with a 4-3 away loss to Brentford, in a game that saw United’s youngest-ever starting eleven in the league.
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Athletic Bilbao
The home 0-3 defeat to Manchester United was very likely their worst loss of the season, and in fact their first defeat at home in the Europa League. That makes it unlikely they’ll manage to play again at home in the competition, as the final is taking place at San Mames.
Manager Ernesto Valverde emphasised that the team has a lot to learn from the game. While the Basque side created a few chances, the red card and the penalty were too much to overcome. Midfielder Sancet was sorely missed, and he is primed to make a comeback in the second leg.
Bilbao does have a valid shout, though, about a potential red card for Harry Maguire, alleging he grabbed forward Sannadu when he was through on goal.
Bilbao has won only two of their six away games in the competition. In those six games, Athletic have managed just two clean sheets, while four ended with BTTS and three with over 2.5 goals.
The team is still solidly fourth in the domestic league, on pace to qualify for the next Champions League campaign. Last week’s local derby against Real Sociedad was a forgettable goalless affair, and we expect more from Bilbao in the match against United.
