An all-English Europa League final could be on the horizon after Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur secured commanding first-leg victories on Thursday night.
Manchester United produced a powerful performance in Spain, defeating Athletic Bilbao 3-0, with Casemiro’s precise header opening the scoring.
Bruno Fernandes followed up with a brace, putting the Red Devils in control ahead of the return fixture at Old Trafford next Thursday.
Bilbao’s task became even harder in the 35th minute when they were reduced to 10 men. Dani Vivian was shown a red card after he pulled back Rasmus Højlund in the box, conceding a penalty.
The resulting spot-kick was calmly slotted home by Fernandes for his first of the night.
Meanwhile, in North London, Tottenham Hotspur made light work of Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt with a convincing 3-1 home win.
Brennan Johnson and James Maddison struck in the first half to give Spurs a comfortable advantage. After the break, Dominic Solanke extended the lead from the penalty spot.
Ulrik Saltnes grabbed a late goal for the visitors, keeping their hopes of a second-leg turnaround alive when they return to home turf.
United are chasing their second Europa League title after lifting the trophy in 2017, while Tottenham aim to revisit past glory, having won the competition twice during its UEFA Cup era.
