How formidable is MU's next opponent?

Athletic Bilbao entered the semi-finals in impressive form.

With their strong form and distinctive playing style, Bilbao are ready to make Manchester United regret it this season. They currently sit fourth in La Liga, six points behind third-placed Atletico Madrid.

Bilbao boasts a solid defense, conceding only 25 goals in 31 matches, equivalent to 0.8 goals per game – the best record in the league.

Up front, Bilbao have Nico Williams, who has scored 9 goals and provided 2 assists in his last 15 matches. With his intelligent movement and unexpected breakthroughs, the younger Williams brother is a constant threat to any defense.

The eight-match unbeaten streak over the past two months has further solidified the Basque team's position. In the Europa League, Bilbao and Lazio are the two best-performing teams so far this season. However, Lazio were eliminated in the quarter-finals, and Bilbao are now strong contenders for the Europa League title.

The San Mames stadium, where Bilbao plays, is almost an impenetrable fortress. In their last 10 matches there, they have won 6, drawn 3, and suffered only one defeat against Osasuna in the Copa del Rey. The passionate atmosphere from the home crowd at San Mames is a significant advantage, having caused both Barcelona and Real Madrid heartbreak in the past.

Bilbao's playing style is also something that many English teams fear. The Basque team employs a flexible attacking style, constantly switching positions, combining high-pressure pressing, sharp counter-attacks, and a two-tiered defense.

Manchester United will face a tough challenge against Bilbao. The head-to-head history also doesn't favor the "Red Devils". In official encounters, Manchester United have never beaten Athletic Bilbao, losing both matches in the 2011/12 Europa League Round of 16. Additionally, the two teams met in a friendly match in 2023 in Dublin (Ireland), which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Martinelli's goal sealed the victory for Arsenal. In the early hours of April 17th, Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Bernabeu.

Source: https://znews.vn/doi-thu-sap-toi-cua-mu-dang-so-the-nao-post1546859.html