Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was the star of the show as his superb performance helped the team to a dominant 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal.
Story of the game
The Red Devils came into the match after their remarkable comeback win over Olympique Lyon in the quarterfinals.
Although they remained the only unbeaten team in European competitions this season, they were wary of the threat offered by a Bilbao side that had the best defence in Europe this season.
Alejandro Garnacho thought he had given Ruben Amorim side an early lead, which was ruled out for offside, before great work by Harry Maguire on the wing enabled Casemiro to give the visitors the lead.
One became two moments later when Bruno Fernandes calmly slotted in from the penalty spot after a VAR check adjudged Bilbao defender Dani Vivian to have pulled down Rasmus Hojlund, resulting in his sending off.
United made their man advantage count as Fernandes was on the end of a clever Manuel Ugarte’s back-heel, to put the Red Devils three ahead on the night and in commanding position going into the second leg next week.
Casemiro hit the post from a corner in the second half, before winger Amad Diallo made his first appearance since February as they put one foot into the final.
Fernandes masterclass
Bruno Fernandes became the first player in Europa League history to be involved in more than 30 goals in the knockout rounds of the competition(19 goals and 12 assists in 32 knockout games).
With his double on Thursday night, the Portugal international has been directly involved in 37 goals this season, nine more than any other midfielder in Europe’s top-five leagues.
Advantage Man United ahead of second leg
The second leg is scheduled to hold at the Old Trafford stadium next Thursday, with the Spanish side heading into the encounter on a three-goal deficit.
Ruben Amorim is expected to hugely rotate his squad for this weekend’s game against Brentford in the English Premier League, with focus on reaching a first European quarterfinal since 2021.
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