Man United and Tottenham Take Control in Europa League Semifinals

Manchester: Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur delivered emphatic victories in the first legs of the UEFA Europa League semifinals on Thursday, reviving their hopes of clinching silverware and securing an unexpected route to next season’s Champions League.

United dominated Athletic Bilbao with a 3-0 win at San Mames in Spain, while Spurs earned a 3-1 home victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Both Premier League clubs have struggled domestically this season and are currently in the lower half of the table. However, success in Europe’s second-tier competition could provide a salvaging end to their campaigns — and an automatic Champions League berth.
Manchester United delivered one of their best performances of the season, dismantling a 10-man Athletic Bilbao side in a commanding display. Cassemiro opened the scoring in the 30th minute, heading in from a Harry Maguire cross.
Just seven minutes later, Rasmus Hojlund won a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Dani Vivian, who was also shown a red card. Captain Bruno Fernandes converted the spot kick and added another just before halftime, curling in a third goal to put the tie firmly in United’s hands.
Fernandes has now tallied 19 goals and 16 assists across all competitions this season — second only to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in total goal contributions, according to Opta.
Despite hitting the woodwork twice through Noussair Mazraoui and Casemiro, United settled for a 3-0 advantage heading into the second leg at Old Trafford. The final will also be staged in Bilbao on May 21.
“We’ve put ourselves in a strong position, but we must be cautious. Bilbao are intense and capable,” said manager Ruben Amorim, recalling United’s thrilling extra-time comeback against Lyon in the quarterfinals.

Brennan Johnson

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is still in the running to maintain his record of winning a trophy in his second season at every club he has managed — a streak previously achieved at Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Celtic.
Spurs, who have suffered 19 Premier League losses this season, started strong with Brennan Johnson scoring inside a minute. James Maddison made it 2-0 in the 34th, and Dominic Solanke added a third from the penalty spot in the 61st. Although Ulrik Saltnes scored a late goal for Bodo/Glimt in the 83rd minute to make it 3-1, Tottenham remain well-positioned ahead of the return leg in Norway. “I don’t think the scoreline reflects our dominance,” said Postecoglou. “But we’re in a good position going into the second leg — that’s all that matters.”
Chelsea Shine in Conference League

It was a successful night for English clubs across Europe as Chelsea secured a 4-1 win away at Djurgarden in the UEFA Conference League semifinal. Nicolas Jackson scored twice, while Real Betis edged Fiorentina 2-1, with Manchester United loanee Antony continuing his fine form with another goal.