In European football, destiny doesn’t often come calling twice — but when it does, you'd better be ready. Athletic Bilbao have a rare chance to reach a European final hosted on their very own turf, and standing in their way is a wounded Manchester United side searching for redemption in what has been a chaotic season.
The San Mamés will be rocking on Thursday night, with a ticket to the final—and potentially history—on the line.
The San Mamés will be rocking on Thursday night, with a ticket to the final—and potentially history—on the line.
💰 Best Bets for Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United📊
➡️ Both Teams to Score (Yes) at 1. 65 odds on MSport
➡️ Bruno Fernandes to Score Anytime at 4.80 odds on MSport
Our Analysis: Form of Both Teams 📈📉
Back to Europe for Ruben's Reds 🔜🏆#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/XjEpaLPCL4
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 29, 2025
Ernesto Valverde’s side are peaking at the right time. Fresh off a 1-0 league win over Las Palmas, Bilbao are unbeaten in 9 of their last 10 games across all competitions. Their Europa League home form? Flawless. Six games, six wins — including statement victories against Roma and Rangers. They've scored 14 goals and conceded just two at San Mamés in this campaign alone.
Ruben Amorim’s United have been an enigma. Their comeback against Lyon in the quarter-final was vintage United drama: down to 10 men, they scored three times in six minutes to steal a 7-6 aggregate win. Bruno Fernandes pulled strings like a man possessed, and Kobbie Mainoo was a revelation.
Manchester United are undefeated in 12 games, including 6 straight away. But make no mistake, they’re not convincing travellers—only 2 wins in their last 7 away European ties.
Ruben Amorim’s United have been an enigma. Their comeback against Lyon in the quarter-final was vintage United drama: down to 10 men, they scored three times in six minutes to steal a 7-6 aggregate win. Bruno Fernandes pulled strings like a man possessed, and Kobbie Mainoo was a revelation.
Manchester United are undefeated in 12 games, including 6 straight away. But make no mistake, they’re not convincing travellers—only 2 wins in their last 7 away European ties.
Probable Lineups for Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United👥👥
Athletic Bilbao🔴⚫️4-2-3-1: Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta
Manchester United🔴⚪️3-4-2-1: Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
1️⃣ Both Sides in the Net ⚖️⚽
United have scored in 12 straight Europa games. Bilbao have found the net in every home tie. With both sides needing a positive result in the first leg, this is built for BTTS. Hojlund might have found form at the right time.
🔎 Bet 1: Both Teams to Score (Yes) at 1. 65 odds on MSport
🔎 Bet 1: Both Teams to Score (Yes) at 1. 65 odds on MSport
2️⃣ Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes to score🎯🔥
If anything goes right for United, Bruno will likely be at the heart of it. He leads the competition in goal contributions and already owns the "Europa League record" for knockout-phase involvements (Goals/Assists).
🔎 Bet 2: Bruno Fernandes to Score Anytime at 4.80 odds on MSport
🔎 Bet 2: Bruno Fernandes to Score Anytime at 4.80 odds on MSport
🚀 Try the Bet Builder – 5.30 Odds ☘️
🏟️ Cierra los ojos e imagina cómo estará San Mamés mañana a estas horas... 🔥
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) April 30, 2025
¡Llegan las semifinales de la @EuropaLeague!#AthleticMUFC #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/G5GgztqTWM
✔️ Both Teams to Score (Yes)
✔️ Bruno Fernandes to Score Anytime
Athletic Bilbao are chasing a fairytale: reaching a European final in their own stadium, in front of their people. San Mamés deserves nights like this. But they’ll have to earn it against a United team that, for all their flaws, still has enough big-game DNA to ruin anyone’s party.
