The penultimate stage of the UEFA Europa League begins this week with two semi-final first legs to take place on Thursday, May 1. Manchester United travel to San Mames to face Athletic Bilbao, with the La Liga outfit dreaming of a final on home turf, while Spurs will host Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt in London.
Manchester United, enduring their worst-ever Premier League season, are banking on European success. They face an Athletic side buoyed by a strong campaign, knowing the final is at their home stadium.
Spurs, despite their domestic struggles, have impressed in Europe, edging past Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals. Bodo/Glimt, making history as the first Norwegian outfit to reach a major UEFA semi-final, stunned Lazio in a dramatic penalty shootout.
With the Europa League final set for May 21, these semi-finals are as high stakes as it gets, with European glory and a Champions League spot up for grabs.
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United
Athletic Club’s Journey to the Semi-Finals
Athletic Bilbao entered the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League campaign after winning the Copa del Rey last season. After navigating the league phase, defeating the likes of Slavia Prague, Ludogorets, Elfsborg, Fenerbahce, Viktoria Plzen, and AZ Alkmaar, Bilbao finished second behind Lazio to make it into the Round of 16.
In the Round of 16, Athletic overcame AS Roma, reversing a 2-1 away leg defeat by winning 3-1 on home soil thanks to a brace by Nico Williams. They advanced to the quarter-finals 4-3 on aggregate.
In the quarter-finals, Bilbao secured a goalless draw at Ibrox and then won 2-0 at home. Again, Nico Williams was on the scoresheet.
United’s Hard-Fought Battle to the Semis
Manchester United have had to fight hard to make it to the semi-finals of the Europa League this season. They finished third in the league phase, entering the Round of 16 against Real Sociedad. A 1-1 draw in Spain was followed up by a 4-1 home win and a 5-2 aggregate victory.
In the quarter-finals, United drew 2-2 away at Lyon. The return leg at Old Trafford was a thriller; United led 2-0 and then conceded twice, with the match going into extra time. Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time goal clinched a 5-4 win on the night and a 7-6 aggregate triumph.
While they continue to struggle domestically, United, under manager Ruben Amorim, are rising to the challenge in Europe.
Tactical Breakdown
The first instalment of Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United promises to be a tactical battle shaped by contrasting styles of play and form.
Under Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club usually go with a 4-3-2-1 formation, focusing on disciplined pressing and fast transitions. Their attack is spearheaded by the Williams brothers – Nico and Inaki – and they provide pace and directness in abundance. In midfield, Bilbao will be looking to control proceedings, with the defence remaining compact and organised.
United will continue with Ruben Amorim’s trusted 3-4-3 system that served him so well at Sporting CP. Wing backs are crucial in the formation delivering, but with Diogo Dalot ruled out, Amorim may be forced to mix it up. Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain, will be central to playmaking efforts.
You’d expect the match to be tightly contested, but Valverde will know this is his team’s chance to leverage home advantage and establish a lead heading into the second leg at Old Trafford. United will be cautious as they won’t want to lose. If they’re too cautious, they may invite too much pressure from the home side and be overwhelmed.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodo/Glimt
Spurs’ Path to the Semi-Finals
Tottenham Hotspurs’ journey to the semi-finals is even more remarkable when you consider the challenges they’ve faced this season in the Premier League. Ange Postecoglu’s side finished fourth in the league phase, qualifying for the Round of 16, where they overcame a 1-0 first-leg defeat at the hands of AZ Alkmaar before winning 3-1 at home and progressing.
In the quarter-finals, Spurs met Eintracht Frankfurt. After a 1-1 home draw, the second leg and the tie was decided by a cooly converted Dominic Solanke first-half penalty in Germany, with Spurs going through 2-1 on aggregate.
Under Postecoglu, Spurs’ European campaign has been in stark contrast to their Premier League season. They, and Postecoglu, will be hoping that ending a 17-year trophy doubt will restore some pride.
Bodo/Glimt’s Stunning Journey to the Semi-Finals
Bodo/Glimt’s stunning journey to the Europa League semis has captivated football fans across Europe. They kicked off their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over FC Porto, and this very much set the tone for what was to come.
In the league phase, Bodo/Glimt defeated Besiktas and Maccabi Tel Aviv, helping them on their way to the knockout stages. In the quarter-finals, Bodo/Glimt proved too strong for Lazio, going through on penalties following a 2-0 home win and a 3-1 reverse away in Italy.
Bodo/Glimt’s fearless attacking brand of football means they will be a match for any opponent, regardless of their status. They will fancy their chances against Spurs under the guidance of manager Kjetil Knutsen.
Tactical Breakdown
The first leg of Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodo/Glimt, like Bilbao vs United, will be another clash of footballing styles.
Spurs continue to play in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Ange Postecoglu demanding his team press high. Their attacking play usually funnels through the wings, with full-backs expected to make underlapping runs in support. However, it’s an approach that has become predictable, with opponents able to exploit spaces left by Spurs’ high defensive line.
Bodo/Glimt, under Kjetil Knutsen, are renowned for staying disciplined in their 4-3-3 structure. They’re patient in their build-up, looking to exploit spaces through intelligent movement. Bodo/Glimt will be missing several key players but will still look to control proceedings via their three-man central midfield.
Spurs will see the first leg as an opportunity to capitalise on their opponent’s missing key players. They will press high and look to build a first-leg advantage. However, while Spurs are capable of carrying out their plan, if they get overconfident, the Norwegian’s could hurt them.
Final Thoughts
The first legs in competitions, especially in Europe, are often telling. As things stand, Spurs are the favourites to win the tournament as suggested by Europa League outright betting, but all that could change depending on what happens in the first legs. Both Spurs and Athletic Bilbao will be hoping to establish leads to take away from home, while Bodo/Glimt and Manchester United won’t want to have to overcome a first-leg defeat.
What’s always noticeable is that the first legs directly impact how teams play in the second legs, and this can upset the betting, too. If Spurs were to lose, it’d mean they’d have to take even more risks away in Norway on a plastic pitch in a tight stadium.
While the semi-finals won’t officially be decided at this point, the first legs of the semis will be a great indicator as to what to expect in the second legs, and, crucially, who the finalists could be in Bilbao next month. Of course, Athletic Club will be hoping to be one of them.
