7-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, Man Utd enters Europa League final

Man Utd set up an all-English UEFA Europa League final with Tottenham Hotspur after a 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao, progressing to the final 7-1 on aggregate and remaining the only unbeaten team in European competition this season.

Facing a three-goal deficit after a disastrous first-leg result at home, Athletic Bilbao knew they needed to get off to a fast start at Old Trafford. Ernesto Valverde's men looked the more dangerous side from the start, with the visitors missing a great chance when Alex Berenguer fired wide from 11 yards.

It was a warning to Man Utd, the home side struggled to assert their authority in the opening half-hour, however Athletic Bilbao took the lead in the 31st minute after Mikel Jauregizar curled a superb long-range effort into the top corner.

Having taken the lead, Athletic Bilbao continued to attack in search of a second goal, at the same time lighting up hopes of a comeback. However, the "Red Devils" were the team that came closest to changing the score when Patrick Dorgu passed the ball to Alejandro Garnacho, unfortunately the Argentine player finished the ball across the face of the goal.

The opening minutes of the second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Athletic Bilbao taking the lead. However, the visitors paid dearly for their missed chances, with Unai Nunez heading wide of the goal.

Determined to maintain their unbeaten record in Europe this season, Man Utd strengthened their strength with three players coming on as substitutes to refresh their strength in the 62nd minute. Ruben Amorim's personnel adjustments were surprisingly effective. Just 10 minutes on the pitch, Mason Mount helped the home team equalize 1-1 with a sudden turn in the penalty area and a shot past Julen Agirrezabala.

Man Utd players celebrate after Mount scores (Photo: Getty).

Mount's goal was the turning point for Man Utd to rise. In the 80th minute, from Bruno Fernandes' free kick, Casemiro headed the goal to make it 2-1. The Brazilian midfielder's goal was the end for Athletic Bilbao, as the gap between the two teams had increased to 4 goals (5-1).

The visitors' fighting spirit was really broken, Man Utd made their victory more flashy with two goals in the remaining time. In the 85th minute, Rasmus Hojlund made a neat finish from Amad Diallo's back pass to make it 3-1.

The sweet 4-1 victory was sealed in the first minute of stoppage time, Mount capitalising on Agirrezabala's mistake, firing a spectacular long-range shot into an empty net. By reaching the Europa League final, Man Utd have reached their ninth European Cup final, and at the same time, give the "Red Devils" the chance to salvage a forgettable season with a title and a place in the Champions League.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/dai-thang-7-1-truoc-athletic-bilbao-man-utd-vao-chung-ket-europa-league-20250509044515806.htm