The 2024/25 Europa League semi-finals promise to be some of the most thrilling in recent years. English clubs Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur secured convincing wins in the first legs, moving closer to the tournament final. These results not only highlight the strength of English football but also open the door for the first all-English Europa League final since 2019.
In this review, we will look in detail at the key moments of the first semi-final matches, analyze the teams’ performances, and assess their chances of reaching the final, which will take place on May 21, 2025, at the “San Mamés” stadium in Bilbao.
Manchester United: Confident win over Athletic
Manchester United showcased their strength with a commanding 3-0 away win over Athletic Bilbao. Goals were scored by Casemiro and twice by Bruno Fernandes, who set new records for goals and goal contributions in the tournament’s knockout stages.
The match featured a controversial penalty awarded after a minor foul by Dani Vivian on Rasmus Højlund, leading to the defender’s sending-off and United’s second goal. This incident sparked outrage among fans and pundits, who believe the refereeing decision significantly impacted the game.
Despite a lively start from Athletic, they failed to capitalize on their chances, and defensive errors allowed United to control the game. The English club now holds a comfortable advantage ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford.
Tottenham: A win with a bitter taste
Tottenham Hotspur earned a 3-1 victory over Bodø/Glimt in the first semi-final leg. Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and a penalty by Dominic Solanke gave Spurs a solid advantage.
However, a late goal by Ulrik Saltnes left the Norwegians with hopes of a comeback in the second leg. Tottenham’s manager commented: “We need to stay focused and not allow ourselves to relax before the trip to Norway.”
The team faced injury concerns, with James Maddison sustaining a minor knock that may affect his availability for the next match. Nonetheless, Tottenham has strong chances of reaching the final, thanks to their potent attack and European experience.
Final prospects: English derby on the horizon
Given the first-leg results, there is a high probability that the 2025 Europa League final will feature two English clubs—Manchester United and Tottenham. This would be the first all-English final since 2019, highlighting the dominance of English teams in European competitions.
The final will take place on May 21, 2025, at the “San Mamés” stadium in Bilbao. The tournament winner will not only lift the trophy but also secure a place in the UEFA Champions League group stage next season, along with a chance to compete for the UEFA Super Cup.
Conclusion
The first legs of the 2025 Europa League semi-finals showcased the strength and ambition of the English clubs. Manchester United and Tottenham have taken significant steps toward the final, but the decisive results will be determined in the second legs. Football fans eagerly await a potential English derby in the final, which promises to be an exciting showdown.
