Bruno Fernandes struck twice as Manchester United took a commanding step toward the Europa League final with a 3-0 away win over Athletic Club Bilbao at the San Mames on Thursday night.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the first leg of the semi-final with a surprise header, before the game turned further in United’s favor when Athletic’s Daniel Vivian received a straight red card for tugging back Rasmus Hojlund inside the box.
Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting penalty with calm precision. The Portuguese midfielder added a third goal shortly before half-time, capitalizing on a clever assist from Manuel Ugarte.
Athletic’s passionate fans created an intense atmosphere from the early hours of Spain’s bank holiday. Red-and-white shirts filled Bilbao’s streets, and thousands gathered outside the team hotel to show their support.
Inside the historic San Mames, supporters raised cards forming a huge mosaic and a banner reading: “This is not the theatre of dreams, this is The Cathedral of football.”
Their energy seemed to lift the team early on, with Alejandro Garnacho’s disallowed goal giving the hosts a scare. Athletic responded with several attacking chances, including shots from Alex Berenguer and headers from Inaki Williams, but Manchester United’s defense held firm.
The breakthrough came when Harry Maguire, surging unexpectedly down the right flank, delivered a driven cross into the area. Ugarte flicked the ball across to Casemiro, who nodded it in at the far post, catching the home side off-guard.
The turning point, though, arrived with Vivian’s sending off. As Hojlund chased a cross, the defender pulled him back. Fernandes stepped up and slotted the penalty into the bottom right, sending the home crowd into a frenzy of protest.
Despite efforts to reorganize, Athletic conceded again before the break. Ugarte, again involved, laid the ball off with a stylish backheel for Fernandes, who coolly finished.
Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde made changes, but the damage was done. Noussair Mazraoui nearly added a fourth for United with a powerful shot that hit the bar.
Referee Espen Eskas came under fire from the home fans, who waved their pre-match tifo cards in frustration after several controversial calls went against their side—including a moment when Maroan Sannadi went down under pressure from Maguire, but no foul was given.
In the second half, Manchester United controlled possession and dictated the pace, while Athletic, down to ten men, struggled to regain a foothold. Fernandes and Casemiro kept the pressure on, but United seemed content with the three-goal cushion.
The return leg will take place at Old Trafford next Thursday, where Manchester United will look to finish the job and book their spot in the final against either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt on May 21.
