Manchester United delivered a dominant performance in their UEFA Europa League (UEL) semi-final, securing a 3-0 victory over Athletic Club and abruptly halting the hosts’ unbeaten home record in this competition.
The final is set to take place at Estadio San Mames. The Red Devils were keen to book their spot in the final, though Alejandro Garnacho’s early strike was disallowed for a narrow offside call.
Athletic Club quickly stepped up their attack and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock, with Alex Berenguer’s effort diverted by a strong hand, shortly before Iñaki Williams sent a header just over the bar.
After Casemiro saved the day, Victor Lindelof made a pair of critical blocks to thwart both Williams’ cross and Berenguer’s shot.
The Red Devils, however, were relentless at the other end. Harry Maguire, playing in an unconventional winger role, skinned Mikel Jauregizar and sent in a cross that Manuel Ugarte headed toward the far post, where Casemiro was on hand to nod it in.
Things deteriorated further for Athletic when Dani Vivian was sent off for pulling down Rasmus Hojlund, conceding a penalty that Bruno Fernandes calmly converted.
Ernesto Valverde reacted by making two substitutions in the 42nd minute, but despair descended on San Mames yet again just three minutes later, courtesy of another composed finish from Fernandes.
Noussair Mazraoui rattled the crossbar in the dying moments of the first half, while the Red Devils opted for patience after the interval amid the mounting frustrations of the Athletic fans.
The first attempt of the second half came from Ugarte, whose speculative effort just after the hour mark was followed closely by a long-range shot from Casemiro that was tipped over by Julen Agirrezabala. From the resulting corner, Casemiro came agonisingly close again, hitting the post with a header.
Agirrezabala thwarted attempts from Fernandes and Garnacho late in the match, but United maintained a firm grip on the game, ultimately securing their first victory within 90 minutes across their last eight fixtures in all competitions and advancing closer to the final.
This match also marked just the second loss for Athletic in their last eleven outings, the only other defeat being against Real Madrid. The Spanish side now faces a difficult path to reach the final they are set to host.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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