The 2024–25 UEFA Europa League quarter-finals delivered high drama, late goals, and historic moments. At the end of an intense round, Manchester United, Athletic Bilbao, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bodø/Glimt have all secured their places in the semi-finals.
Manchester United Complete Stunning Comeback in Lyon
Manchester United produced a thrilling extra-time comeback to defeat Olympique Lyon 5–4 on the night and 7–6 on aggregate. Lyon had taken a commanding lead, but United responded in dramatic fashion:
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Bruno Fernandes converted a crucial penalty in the 114th minute.
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Kobbie Mainoo scored in the 120th minute to level the aggregate score.
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Harry Maguire completed the comeback with a header in the 121st minute.
It was a performance that encapsulated Manchester United’s resilience and belief under pressure.
Athletic Bilbao Keep Spanish Hopes Alive
Athletic Bilbao delivered a composed two-legged performance to eliminate Rangers 2–0 on aggregate. The Basque side, known for their tactical discipline and intensity, secured the result with goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams.
They now carry Spain’s final hopes in the competition and will look to make the most of a potential home final, with the 2025 Europa League showpiece set to take place at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.
Tottenham Hotspur Edge Past Eintracht Frankfurt
Tottenham Hotspur reached the semi-finals after a narrow but hard-fought 2–1 aggregate victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. In the second leg in Germany, a first-half penalty from Dominic Solanke proved decisive.
Spurs’ defence remained solid throughout, and they return to the final four of a European competition for the first time since the 2018–19 Champions League campaign.
Bodø/Glimt Make History
Bodø/Glimt continue their remarkable European journey after eliminating Lazio via a penalty shootout. The tie ended 3–3 on aggregate, and the Norwegian side held their nerve from the spot to reach their first-ever European semi-final.
This achievement marks a historic moment for Norwegian football, with Bodø/Glimt becoming the first club from the country to reach this stage of a major UEFA competition.
Europa League Semi-Final Fixtures
The semi-final matchups are as follows:
First Leg – May 1, 2025
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Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt
Second Leg – May 8, 2025
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Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao
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Bodø/Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur
The final will be held on May 21, 2025, at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.
Road to the Final
With four unique narratives — from Manchester United’s European pedigree to Bodø/Glimt’s underdog story — the stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to the 2024–25 Europa League campaign.
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