Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United: Two storied European sides clash in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinal as Athletic Bilbao host Manchester United at the iconic San Mames. With both clubs seeing this competition as a path to silverware and Champions League qualification, expect intensity, history, and no shortage of drama.

Head to Head

• Athletic Bilbao wins: 3
• Manchester United wins: 1
• Draws

Last Meetings

• March 2012 (UEL): Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Manchester United

• March 2012 (UEL): Manchester United 2-3 Athletic Bilbao

Bilbao’s high-pressing style has troubled United in the past, and they’ll look to replicate that energy at home.

Recent Form

Athletic Bilbao:
Bilbao are strong at home, unbeaten in their last 10 matches at San Mames and coming off key wins against Rangers and Las Palmas. Their only blemish recently was a narrow defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. They’re showing grit and control.

Manchester United:
United have been shaky away from home and inconsistent overall. A dramatic 5-4 win over Lyon saved their Europa League campaign, but Premier League losses to Newcastle and Wolves raised alarm bells. A 1-1 draw against Bournemouth added further doubt.

Team News

Athletic Bilbao:
Ernesto Valverde’s side will be without speedy forward Nico Williams, a big blow to their counter-attacking threat. However, the core remains intact with Unai Simon in goal and the creative spark of Sancet and Berenguer in midfield. Veteran defender Oscar De Marcos adds experience to a compact backline.

Manchester United:
Ruben Amorim faces defensive headaches. Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs De Ligt, and Diogo Dalot are sidelined, weakening the back three. Joshua Zirkzee also misses out. However, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and young Mainoo offer hope in midfield. Hojlund and Garnacho are likely to shoulder the attacking burden.

Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Lineups

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1):
Simon – De Marcos, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche – Jauregizar, Galarreta – Williams, Sancet, Berenguer – Sannadi

Manchester United (3-4-2-1):
Onana – Maguire, Yoro, Shaw – Mazraoui, Casemiro, Mainoo, Dorgu – Fernandes, Garnacho – Hojlund

10 Key Stats

1. Bilbao are unbeaten in their last 10 home games.

2. Manchester United have lost 3 of their last 5 away matches.

3. Bilbao have won 2 of their last 3 matches against United.

4. Bilbao average 1.89 goals at home; United average 1.29 away.

5. United win just 22% of first halves; Bilbao win 36%.

6. When leading at home, Bilbao win 89% of the time.

7. Hojlund has 4 goals in the last 5 UEL games.

8. Sancet has 3 assists in his last 4 games.

9. United have conceded 10 goals in their last 4 games.

10. Last meeting between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw.

Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United Prediction

Athletic Bilbao’s home form and United’s shaky defense tip the scales slightly toward the Spanish side. Expect a fast-paced, tight affair with chances for both teams, but Bilbao’s organization and energy could make the difference.

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Manchester United

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