United & Spurs Close In on Europa League Final with Crucial First-Leg Wins

PARIS: The fightback is alive for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur as both clubs secured crucial first-leg victories in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday night. These wins not only revived hopes of silverware but also reopened the door to Champions League qualification — a lifeline for two teams enduring forgettable Premier League campaigns.

Manchester United silenced a vibrant San Mames crowd by cruising to a 3-0 win over 10-man Athletic Bilbao. Bruno Fernandes led the way with two goals, including a penalty, while Casemiro opened the scoring in a blistering first-half performance. Spurs, meanwhile, outplayed Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in London, giving themselves a strong platform to reach their first major European final since 2019.

Currently stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League, both United and Tottenham have struggled for form and consistency. Yet the Europa League has given them a much-needed spark. A tournament often seen as a second-tier competition is now a golden opportunity — not only to claim a prestigious title but to punch a backdoor ticket to next season’s Champions League.

United, remarkably unbeaten in Europe this season, delivered a powerful reminder of their pedigree in Spain. Despite a poor domestic campaign, they looked sharp, structured, and ruthless on the European stage. Casemiro’s header opened the floodgates, and soon after, Bilbao were reduced to ten men when Daniel Vivian hauled down Rasmus Hojlund. Bruno Fernandes confidently slotted home the penalty and added another goal just before the break, effectively sealing the match.

“The red card changed the game,” admitted Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde. “We were doing well at 11 vs 11, but now we face a tough second leg. Still, we won’t give up.”

Tottenham, too, responded with character after a demoralizing 5-1 defeat to Liverpool in the league. Ange Postecoglou’s side came out firing against Bodo/Glimt, with Brennan Johnson scoring within the first minute. The Londoners added two more goals to take control of the tie. While their league form has left them languishing in 16th, this European run could be their redemption.

Postecoglou, chasing his second-season trophy tradition, praised the team’s resilience. “We’ve played strong football throughout Europe. The way the players responded after Liverpool was outstanding. Their mentality has been brilliant,” he said.

The dream of an all-English Europa League final now looms — one that could redefine the seasons of both clubs. For Tottenham, it would end a 17-year trophy drought. For United, it’s a chance to salvage pride from a disappointing league campaign.

Elsewhere, Chelsea added to a strong night for English clubs with a 4-1 win over Sweden’s Djurgarden in the UEFA Conference League. Real Betis edged Fiorentina 2-1, with on-loan Manchester United winger Antony scoring again to continue his impressive form in Spain.

With the final just weeks away, United and Spurs know what’s at stake: a trophy, a Champions League spot, and redemption. The rescue act is well and truly on.