Athletic Club welcome Manchester United to San Mamés for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. With the final also set to be played at this iconic venue, the Basque side will hope to make home advantage count, while United seek redemption for a disappointing domestic campaign by chasing European glory.
🗓️ Match Details
- Fixture: Athletic Club vs Manchester United
- Date: Thursday, 1 May 2025
- Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM BST / 12:30 AM IST (2 May)
- Venue: San Mamés, Bilbao
- Competition: UEFA Europa League – Semi-final (1st Leg)
- Broadcast (India): Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV
🔁 Head-to-Head Record
- Total Meetings: 0
- Athletic Club Wins: 0
- Manchester United Wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Last Meeting: N/A
This marks the first-ever competitive meeting between Athletic Club and Manchester United in European competition.
📈 Team Form and Standings
| Team | Domestic League Position | Recent Form (Last 5 Matches) | Last Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Club | 4th in La Liga | W–D–W–W–D | 2–0 Win vs Rangers |
| Manchester United | 17th in Premier League | D–L–D–L–W | 5–4 Win vs Lyon (AET) |
Athletic Club remain unbeaten at home in nine matches and are having one of their best seasons in recent memory. United, on the other hand, are enduring a rocky domestic campaign but have been impressive in Europe under new manager Rúben Amorim.
🌟 Key Players to Watch
Athletic Club
- Iñaki Williams (FW) – A constant threat with his pace and direct play; vital for breaking United’s backline.
- Nico Williams (FW) – Provides width, creativity, and flair; key to Athletic’s attacking transitions.
- Unai Simón (GK) – The Spanish No.1, known for his composure and shot-stopping abilities.
Manchester United
- Bruno Fernandes (MF) – The creative engine of United; his passing range and leadership are crucial.
- Kobbie Mainoo (MF) – A breakout star this season, bringing calmness and control in midfield.
- Rasmus Højlund (FW) – Physical and aggressive, capable of troubling defenders with his movement and presence.
🧠 Tactical Preview
| Team | Formation | Style of Play | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Club | 4-2-3-1 | High-pressing, vertical play | Intensity, unity, home advantage | Susceptible to quick counters |
| Manchester United | 4-3-3 | Possession-based, attacking | Midfield control, Europa experience | Defensive lapses, inconsistency |
Athletic will likely press high and look to force errors, using the Williams brothers to break quickly. United may seek to dominate possession, with Bruno Fernandes pulling strings and Højlund occupying defenders up top.
🔮 Predictions
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Full-Time Score | Athletic Club 1–1 Manchester United |
| First Goal Scorer | Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club) |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 |
| Possession Split | 55% Athletic – 45% United |
| Expected Key Moment | Late equalizer by Manchester United |
| Man of the Match | Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) |
It promises to be a tight contest. Athletic will look to strike early in front of a passionate home crowd, but United’s European pedigree might just help them leave Bilbao with a valuable draw.
📺 How to Watch Athletic Club vs Man United
| Region | Live Streaming / Broadcast Options |
|---|---|
| India | Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV |
| UK | TNT Sports 1, Discovery+ |
| USA | Paramount+, UniMás, TUDN, ViX, DirecTV Stream |
| Ireland | Premier Sports 1 |
| Spain | Movistar+ |
| Worldwide | UEFA.tv (selected regions) |
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
