A surprising performance and an unexpected result. Manchester United has breathed new life into their struggling season with a shocking victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
The surprise 3-0 victory in Bilbao helped coach Ruben Amorim's team get closer to the ticket to the final match. This is a contrast to what the "Red Devils" have shown in the Premier League.
In just the last 15 minutes of the first half, Man United scored 3 goals against Bilbao. They often struggle to score, but suddenly become sharp. Athletic Bilbao had the best defensive record in La Liga, but became chaotic and unorganized against Man United.
Europa League is Amorim's only chance to save M.U's season. The chance to lift the European Cup is one thing, but for Man United and Amorim, the financial boost from the Champions League could be even more important ahead of the summer transfer window.
Too often this season, the "Red Devils" have weakened in moments of pressure. But when faced with a high- flying Athletic Bilbao in La Liga and enthusiastically cheered by home fans, Man United overwhelmed their opponents.
"I think this is the best result. I think it's hard to explain. We have improved in recent matches, and I don't just look at the results. We have had some losses but still played well. If you watch the first 30 minutes tonight, we had some chances to score but didn't.
When we score, we feel more comfortable playing. We can win this tournament. In the Premier League, we only endure one game after another," Amorim said after the win over Bilbao.
Amorim's sad record in the Premier League is 6 wins out of a total of 23 matches. In contrast, in the Europa League, his side have won seven of their nine games.
For Man United, up to 100 million pounds depends on their achievements in this year's Europa League. And that is of the same significance for Athletic Bilbao. Their fans took advantage of the holiday and filled Bilbao's streets several hours before the match started. The roads around the stadium have been covered in red and white since early afternoon. Flags are also hung on the balconies of high-rise apartments.
This is only Athletic Bilbao's third European semi-final. And they may never have another chance to play in the final at San Mames. However, what they have shown on the pitch is nothing more than disappointment.
Athletic Bilbao have conceded just 10 goals at home in La Liga this season. But Man United scored 3 goals within 15 minutes. This was the first time in nearly 60 years that Man United have scored three first-half goals away from home in a major knockout game in European competition.
Athletic Bilbao believes that this is happening just because of the referee. Home team players angrily ran towards referee Espen Eskas ( Norwegian) at half-time to continue protesting the penalty and red card. Their fans shouted and whistled when the referees left the field.
"It was a big decision, not only did it leave us behind 0-2 but also had to play with one less player. The red card affected the whole match. With enough players, we play better than Man United" - said Bilbao head coach Ernesto Valverde.
The noise increased a step when an Athletic Bilbao pass touched the referee's heel early in the second half. And the atmosphere became even more tense when referee Eskas decided not to award a penalty after Harry Maguire blocked Maroan Sannadi.
The "Red Devils" have taken control of the passionate atmosphere and may even increase the gap. Casemiro headed against the post and Hojlund was also close to scoring the fourth goal for Man United. However, instead of being caught up in the joyful emotions, Amorim was still cautious.
"I think the players must look forward to the second leg. And we have to think more about the first 20 minutes compared to the rest of the match. The match will be really difficult. Anything can change. It is my message to the players. We have to think about Brentford on Sunday and then the return leg," Amorim said.
