With a dream final on home turf in sight, Athletic Bilbao are just two games away from turning San Mames into the scene of a legendary triumph — but standing in their way is none other than European royalty in need of redemption: Manchester United.
Thursday night in the Basque Country promises fireworks as the Lions look to pounce early in this Europa League semi-final. Ernesto Valverde's side have made their fortress impenetrable, stringing together six straight wins at San Mames, and they'll be desperate to roar their way to a first-leg advantage.
But United, battered but battle-hardened, have made a habit of surviving in Europe this season. With six wins from twelve and a knack for stealing results on the road, they'll be out to spoil the party — and maybe spark one of their own back at Old Trafford next week.
Athletic Bilbao are living a dream in La Liga and could be just weeks away from a long-awaited return to the Champions League — but why wait for the league to settle it, when they could punch their ticket by lifting the Europa League trophy on home soil?
Back in Europe for the first time since 2018, the Lions are roaring once again. They sit fourth in La Liga and come into Thursday's semi-final first leg against Manchester United in formidable form — especially at San Mames, where they've turned every European night into a festival of football.
United captain Bruno Fernandes might boast a glittering semi-final record — three goals and three assists in just three appearances — but Bilbao's jewel Nico Williams has lit up every Europa League clash at home this season with a direct hand in at least one goal per game. He and brother Iñaki are set to reunite in attack, with Gorka Guruzeta and Maroan Sannadi jostling to join the party. However, midfield talisman Oihan Sancet — 18 goals and counting — will be a major miss through injury.
Veteran right-back Oscar De Marcos, who memorably scored in both legs when these sides met in 2012, is still around at 36. This could be his European swan song — and what better way to write a final chapter than against the Red Devils once again?
ATHLETIC BILBAO predicted lineup vs MANCHESTER UNITED: Simon (GK); Gorosabel, Vivian, Alvarez, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Berenguer, N. Williams; Guruzeta.
Manchester United's domestic season has been nothing short of a train wreck — languishing in 15th place in the Premier League, far from their lofty standards. But there's still one golden escape route: winning the Europa League and crashing the Champions League party through the back door.
Despite their woes at home, the Red Devils have been a different beast in Europe — unbeaten on the road in this competition, and desperate to extend that run as they step into the lion's den of San Mamés. A positive result in Bilbao could breathe new life into a season that's teetering on disaster.
Injury problems continue to plague Ruben Amorim's squad. While there's faint hope that Amad Diallo, Toby Collyer, and Matthijs de Ligt could rejoin the group, none are expected to feature on Thursday. Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee have picked up serious knocks, and Lisandro Martínez remains a long-term casualty. Even Altay Bayindir and young Ayden Heaven are doubts.
That leaves Bruno Fernandes to carry the torch. And if there's one man built for European nights, it's the United captain — a record-breaking 29 goal contributions in 31 Europa League knockout matches. If United are to survive the Bilbao storm, it'll likely be the Portuguese maestro leading the way.
MANCHESTER UNITED predicted lineup vs ATHLETIC BILBAO: Onana (GK); Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Manchester United may be limping through their Premier League campaign, but under the floodlights of Europe, they've shown real bite. Still, San Mamés is no ordinary away day — it's a cauldron, and Athletic Club know exactly how to turn up the heat.
With a fearsome home record and a backline that doesn't give away gifts, the Lions are well equipped to edge this first-leg battle. United will push, Fernandes will pull the strings, but Bilbao's grit, crowd, and momentum might just tip the scales their way on Thursday night.
Prediction: Athletic wins.
