08
May
May
MANCHESTER UNITED OVERWHELMS ATHLETIC CLUB, STORM INTO EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL WITH THRILLING COMEBACK AT OLD TRAFFORD
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CapitalTimesNews / 6 days
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- 2 min read
Manchester United have booked their place in the Europa League final after a sensational 4-1 victory over Athletic Club at Old Trafford, sealing a 7-1 aggregate triumph. The Reds will now face Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English showdown in Bilbao on Wednesday, 21 May, with both the trophy and a Champions League spot on the line. The night began with tension after Mikel Jauregizar’s stunning 31st-minute strike gave Athletic Club a glimmer of hope, curling a magnificent effort into the top corner following a defensive lapse from Harry Maguire. Old Trafford fell silent as Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to regain control, with Athletic dominating early in the second half. But the game turned on its head when substitute Mason Mount, often sidelined by injuries, delivered a heroic performance. The English midfielder announced his arrival with a Cruyff turn and a sublime curling finish in the 72nd minute to level the score. The momentum shifted entirely, and eight minutes later, Casemiro nodded in a Bruno Fernandes free-kick to put United ahead. Rasmus Hojlund tapped in a simple third after brilliant work from Amad, before Mount capped off a fairytale cameo with an audacious halfway-line strike in stoppage time, sending the home crowd into raptures. “It’s the least we can do for the fans after a tough season,” said Amorim, though he admitted the job isn’t finished. “If we don’t win the final, it’s nothing. I’m already stressed!” Meanwhile, Tottenham secured their place in the final with a composed 2-0 win over Bodo/Glimt in Norway, completing a 5-1 aggregate victory. Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro ensured Spurs’ smooth passage, with manager Ange Postecoglou praising his team’s maturity. Chelsea also progressed to the Conference League final, beating Djurgarden 1-0 (5-1 agg), with young stars like 16-year-old Reggie Walsh making history. All eyes now turn to Bilbao, where Manchester United will battle Spurs for European glory—and a chance to transform their season into something unforgettable.
