The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa League semi-final between Manchester United (England) and Athletic (Spain) will take place on May 8 at Old Trafford. The first match ended 3-0 in favor of Manchester United. Manchester United vs. Athletic: prediction and statistics.
Manchester United
The English side secured a commanding 3-0 victory in Spain in the first leg. The club has extended its unbeaten run in the current Europa League to 13 matches, with 7 wins and 6 draws in regular time. Notably, Manchester United is the only team that has not lost in this European season. Even a two-goal defeat would see the English side progress to the Europa League final.
- At least three goals were scored in regular time in 7 of Manchester United's last 9 Europa League games.
- Both teams scored in 7 of the last 9 matches involving the English side in this tournament.
- Manchester United's unbeaten run at Old Trafford in this European competition spans 11 matches (8 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Manchester United (5-3-2)
Andre Onana – Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Victor Lindelof, Patrick Dorgu – Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte – Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund.
Defenders Diogo Dalot, Aidan Heaven, and Lisandro Martinez, as well as forward Joshua Zirkzee, are sidelined due to injuries.
Athletic
Ernesto Valverde's team completely faltered in the first half of their home game against the English side, conceding three goals before halftime. Moreover, the Spanish team was reduced to ten men. To advance, Athletic must win by at least four goals. If they win by exactly three goals, extra time will be played.
- At least three goals have been scored in 7 of the last 10 Europa League games involving the Spanish side.
- The club has not lost in 10 of their last 13 matches in this tournament (8 wins and 2 draws).
- The Basques have not lost in the first half in 8 of their last 9 matches in this European competition (5 wins and 3 draws).
Predicted lineup for Athletic (4-2-3-1)
Julen Agirrezabala – Oscar De Marcos, Yuri Berchiche, Yeray Alvarez, Daniel Vivian – Mikel Jauregi, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Inaki Williams, Alex Berenguer, Nico Williams – Maroane Sannadi.
Midfielder Oihan Sancet and forward Nico Williams are in the team's medical room. Defender Daniel Vivian will miss the match due to suspension.
Referee
Daniel Siebert (Germany)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 49;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 18%.
Match Prediction: Manchester United vs. Athletic
It seems that Manchester United will reach the Europa League final for the third time in the last eight years. The team surprised even their fans by thrashing the Basques on their own turf. This season, the Spanish side rarely loses and is confidently in the Champions League zone in their domestic league. I believe that overcoming such a deficit, especially at Old Trafford, is almost impossible.
In their last 30 home Europa League matches, Manchester United has lost only once in regular time (21 wins and 8 draws). Additionally, the English side has scored at least two goals in 9 of their last 10 home games in this tournament. Athletic, on the other hand, has been unable to win away in this European competition for three consecutive matches (1 draw and 2 losses). Therefore, I expect Ruben Amorim's side to at least not lose in the return leg.
My prediction: Manchester United with a handicap (0)
