Maguire’s Transformation Highlights United Win

Daniel Evans
Author: Daniel Evans
Updated: 2025-05-02

Manchester United displayed a dominant performance against Athletic Bilbao, securing a 3-0 victory in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals. The match featured key contributions from Casemiro and a brace from Bruno Fernandes, demonstrating the team’s strength during crucial moments.

Turning Point in the Match

The game’s first breakthrough occurred when Casemiro headed home a cross from Harry Maguire, marking a significant moment in the match. Shortly thereafter, VAR intervened, leading to a red card for Dani Vivian. The referee determined that Vivian had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity by fouling Rasmus Hojlund, ultimately resulting in a penalty for United.

Controversy Over Penalty Decisions

Players from Bilbao voiced their frustrations over the referee’s penalty decisions, particularly concerning a potential handball by Alejandro Garnacho. Coach Ernesto Valverde echoed these concerns, suggesting that the incident should have warranted a free kick instead. This series of calls contributed to a sense of frustration within the Spanish side.

Williams’ Call for Resilience

Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams reflected on the disappointment of the defeat, yet expressed confidence in the team’s ability to recover in the second leg. He emphasized that there would be no excuses for their performance, urging his teammates to focus on competing effectively at Old Trafford, recalling instances when other clubs turned the tables against United.

Respect for Athletic Club

In the aftermath of the match, Casemiro responded to Williams’ remarks by stressing the importance of respecting Athletic Bilbao. He acknowledged their competitive nature and fighting spirit, underscoring the fact that the tie remains open, and the second leg will be a challenging encounter.

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