Last night marked to be an intense match at San Mames Stadium between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
Casemiro opened the scoring for Man United with a header from an assisted by Manuel Ugarte in the 30th minute. The visitors were awarded a penalty after Rasmus Højlund drew a foul committed by Dani Vivian, who was also shown a red card.
While Bruno Fernandes doubled Man United’s lead by successfully converting the spot-kick, several complaints surfaced regarding the decision of the Red Devils’ being awarded the penalty in the first place.
It was claimed by many that VAR failed to notice a potential handball by Alejandro Garnacho in the build-up to the controversial penalty, giving Man United unfair advantages.
Fernandes netted the third and last goal of the clash from another assist by Ugarte with a through ball in the 45th minute.
Following the match, Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams addressed the potential handball situation and also expressed confidence (comments via Football365) that his side is ‘capable of coming back’ in the second leg.
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“We are capable of coming back. There are some plays that raise doubts. The play before the penalty comes from a handball by Garnacho, which the referee doesn’t see,” he said.
“We weren’t very sharp, there’s no need to make excuses. We’re 3-0 down, but we’re capable of overcoming that,” added Williams.
Even though the Red Devils bagged a big victory against Bilbao, head coach Ruben Amorim believes that the battle is only half-won.
What Ruben Amorim said post Man Utd’s first leg win?
Speaking after the first leg clash, Amorim appreciated his squad’s result but also mentioned (comments via GOAL) at the same time that the fight is ‘not done’ yet.
“The result is really good, but we have to understand the result at the same time. We struggled a lot at the beginning and the sending off changed the game. Any game can change with one situation. We had an opportunity to score one more. This is not done and they can do the same at Old Trafford. They’re really strong and intense. We need to be prepared,” said Amorim.
When asked by reporters if Man United have sealed their spot in the Europa League final with the first leg win, Casemiro appeared to share the same mentality as his club manager and hailed their opponents, claiming (comments via Football365) Bilbao ‘never give up.’
“No, of course not. I give that message as it is not over. I know this Athletic Bilbao team very well, I know there have great players. We have to show a lot of respect and I ask on behalf of Manchester and everyone that we have to have respect them as an opponent because they never give up.”
Man United and Athletic Bilbao will be locking horns in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final on May 8, at Old Trafford.
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