Match Overview
Manchester United led 3-0 from the first leg against an Athletic Club in Bilbao without four of their most significant players since they were injured and suspended. After securing a 3-0 win in the first leg, United scored 4-1 in the return match at Old Trafford on May 8, 2025. And now, United have advanced to the 2025 UEFA Europa League final following a dominant 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals.
Mason Mount’s first goal at the Old Trafford more than 18 months after his rivalry with Chelsea lifted the roof off the stadium and the celebrations were filled with relief. It made the score 1-1. Three late goals from Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund and Mount made it 4-1. Manchester United despite all their vulnerabilities are heading to the final. Mount’s performance, featuring two goals and being the game changer after coming on as a substitute, earned him the Man of the Match.
Match Highlights
- Mason Mount was instrumental, scoring twice after coming off the bench. The second goal scored by him, a 45 yard strike into the net determined the victory.
- Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund also scored, contributing to the United’s winning.
- Despite an early goal by Athletic’s 21-year-old Mikel Jauregizar, United’s substitution game including Mount, Luke Shaw, and Amad Diallo, re-engaged the team and flipped the match statistics.
Match Statistics
- Possession
- Manchester United: 51.3%
- Athletic Club: 48.7%
- Shots on Goal
- Manchester United: 5
- Athletic Club: 1
- Shot Attempts
- Manchester United: 11
- Athletic Club: 11
- Yellow Cards
- Manchester United: 3
- Athletic Club: 4
- Corner Kicks
- Manchester United: 0
- Athletic Club: 2
- Saves
- Manchester United: 0
- Athletic Club: 1
Key Moments
- First Half: Athletic Club scored in the 31st minute taking the lead when Mikel Jauregizar unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box to beat Andre Onana.
- Second Half: Manchester United responded with dominance over the game.
- 72’ – Mason Mount equalized
- 79’ – Casemiro headed in a free kick, giving Manchester United the lead.
- 85’ – Rasmus Hojlund taps in from a close range after a cut-back from Amad Diallo.
- 90+1’ – Mount scores his second goal with an impressive long range shot.
Player Performances
- Manchester United Player Performances
- Mason Mount: Mount was very instrumental with an outstanding performance, scoring twice. The first goal was an equalizer but the second one was decisive. His performance resulted in United’s dominance over Athletic Club.
- Casemiro: The Brazilian Midfielder contributed significantly, scoring United’s second goal.
- Rasmus Hojlund: He added to the score with a well-executed goal, showcasing his attacking abilities and comforting the team with a lead.
- Amad Diallo and Leny Yoro: Entered the field as substitutes, but displayed creativity and infused the team with energetic solidity later on.
- Andre Onana: Despite conceding an early goal, Onana remained calm and composed, making crucial saves.
- Athletic Club Player Performances
- Mikel Jauregizar: Jauregizar opened the scoring, giving hope to Athletic and its fans. His performance was highlighted in the game.
Manager Reaction
- Ruben Amorim (Manchester United): “The substitutes changed the game” he said. “That is credit to the players. I felt we needed a bit more energy. We needed to keep the ball.” Amorim praised Mason Mount’s contribution off the bench. “The money from the Champions League is not the most important, even to win a title as a coach, it’s that feeling, that feeling we can do good things,” said Amorim. “It is that feeling we can change things. It is the least we can do for these fans for the support they give us in this tough season.”
- Ernesto Valverde (Athletic Club): Athletic Club’s head coach Ernesto Valverde reflected on the team’s elimination with disappointment. “We have to learn from this, especially those who haven’t played in Europe before.” Despite the disappointment, he praised the team and focused on securing a Champions League spot through their remaining La Liga fixtures.
Both managers now turn their attention to their respective upcoming challenges. Amorim prepares for the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur while Valverde focuses on achieving a top four finish in La Liga to ensure European Competition next season.
Looking Ahead
Manchester United will now face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa Final League finals on 21st May, 2025 at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao. Manchester United’s emphatic win underscores their attacking abilities and sets the stage for an all-English Europa League final. United are into a ninth European Final in their history meanwhile, Athletic stays focused on securing a Champions League spot through their remaining La Liga fixtures.