Bruno Fernandes Shines as Manchester United Thrash Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in Europa League Clash
However, the contest shifted dramatically in the 35th minute when Athletic defender Dani Vivian was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul.
Manchester United took a commanding step towards the Europa League final with a dominant 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final first leg on Thursday night. Photo/Getty Images.
By Robert Assad
Manchester United took a commanding step towards the Europa League final with a dominant 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final first leg on Thursday night.
In a match marked by controversy and clinical finishing, it was United’s Bruno Fernandes who stole the spotlight, netting twice to put the English giants firmly in control ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford.
The game, played in front of a packed San Mamés Stadium, started evenly, with both sides probing for an early advantage. However, the contest shifted dramatically in the 35th minute when Athletic defender Dani Vivian was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul.
The dismissal, coupled with a penalty awarded moments later, left Bilbao reeling and sparked outrage on the touchline, with manager Ernesto Valverde voicing his frustration at what he called “too much punishment” for his side.
Before the red card drama, Casemiro had already opened the scoring for United in the 30th minute, heading home from a pinpoint corner to silence the home crowd. With Bilbao reduced to ten men, United took full advantage.
Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead in the 37th minute, coolly converting the penalty following Vivian’s controversial sending-off.
Fernandes wasn’t done yet. As the first half drew to a close, the Portuguese midfielder struck again in the 45th minute, capping off a swift counterattack with a precise finish that left the Bilbao defense in tatters.
His brace not only underlined his importance to Erik ten Hag’s side but also left Athletic Bilbao facing a mountain to climb in the second leg.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Bilbao showed flashes of resilience in the second half, but United’s defense held firm.
Garnacho, who was at the center of the handball controversy that led to the penalty, continued to torment the Bilbao backline, while Casemiro bossed the midfield with authority.
Speaking after the match, Valverde lamented the turning point: “When we were 11 vs. 11, we were way better than Manchester United. The red card affected the match completely.”
With a three-goal cushion and two away goals to their name, Manchester United will return to Old Trafford with high confidence as they aim to finish the job and book their place in the Europa League final.
For Athletic Bilbao, it will take a monumental effort in the second leg to overturn the deficit and keep their European dream alive.
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