Europa League life and death battle: Manchester United faces Bilbao at home, can the Red Devils maintain their 3-goal advantage?

At 3 am on May 9, the second leg of the UEFA Cup semi-finals will be held at Old Trafford Stadium, with Manchester United hosting La Liga powerhouse Athletic Bilbao at home. Manchester United defeated his opponent 3-0 away in the first leg and almost reached the final with one foot, but there is never a shortage of miracles on the football field. In this game, can Manchester United defend their huge advantages and advance smoothly? Can Bilbao create a miracle of a comeback away? Let's analyze this focus battle together.

First round review: The Red Devils' perfect performance away from home

Manchester United coach Gong Hao#Naruto's chat notes said that in the first leg match on May 2, Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away, almost killing the suspense of the semi-finals. In the 30th minute of the game, Maguire broke through on the right and made a cross. Ugat headed the ball and Casemiro scored with a header, making the first record for Manchester United. Just 3 minutes later, the game showed a turning point - Bilbao central defender Vivian defeated Hoylen in the penalty area, not only gave Manchester United a penalty, but also was sent off with a red card. B Fei took the penalty kick and Manchester United led 2-0. In the first half, Manchester United won another goal - Ugath's wonderful pass from the heel, B Fei calmly pushed the ball into the goal, completing a double score, Manchester United led 3-0 to end the first half. Although Manchester United repeatedly threatened opponents' goal (including Casemiro hitting the post), they failed to expand the score and the final 3-0 score remained until the end of the game.

This victory gave Manchester United an absolute advantage in advance. In the two-leg knockout matches in European games in history, the team that led 3-0 away in the first leg was never reversed. But football is round, can Bilbao create miracles on the road?

Athletic Bilbao: The Basque Lions 0-3 defeat in the first leg put Bilbao in a desperate situation, but there are many shocking reversals in football history. Bilbao has performed steadily in La Liga this season, with 7 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in all competitions in the last 10 games, and is in excellent form. The UEFA Cup won all six home games, including eliminating Roma and Glasgow Rangers, but performed slightly worse away.

Bilbao's defensive organization has always been praised, averaging only 0.4 goals in the last 10 home games, but the red card suspension of defender Vivian in the first leg will affect the defense arrangement in the second leg. On the offensive end, Williams and Guruzeta are in a hot state. The former has 3 goals and 2 assists in the Europa League this season, while the latter has 12 goals and 3 assists in the league, but the midfield core Sanchet may be absent due to a muscle strain, which affects the offensive organization.

It is worth mentioning that Bilbao has won 5 wins and 2 draws against England in 7 home games in European history, and has never lost, but this time they need to complete a reversal away. How will the coach adjust his tactics and set off a storm in the Dream Theater?

Historical Confrontation: Bilbao's psychological advantage

The two teams have confronted 4 times in the history of European wars, with Bilbao having the upper hand 3 wins and 1 loss. The most valuable reference is the 2011-12 Europa League 1/8 final, Bilbao defeated Manchester United at home and away (total scores 5-3). In the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 1956-57, Manchester United reversed and advanced 3-0 in the second leg after losing 3-5 in the first leg, which may give Bilbao some inspiration.

However, the historical data has limited reference value for the current game. After all, Manchester United has established a 3-goal advantage in the first leg, and Bilbao needs to score at least 3 goals away to be expected to turn the tables.

Score prediction:

Manchester United 1-2 1-3 Bilbao: Bilbao won away but the total score was still out

Although Bilbao is good at fighting away, the gap between 3 goals is too big. As long as Manchester United does not make low-level mistakes, it is almost a foregone conclusion to advance to the finals. However, the biggest charm of football matches is its unpredictability, and we can still look forward to a wonderful contest.

Conclusion: The Red Devils are only one step away from the final

For Manchester United, this is a game that cannot be careless. Despite having a 3-goal advantage, there are many examples of shocking reversals in football history. Tenhager needs to make sure that the players stay focused and not repeat the mistakes of Arsenal, Paris and other teams being turned over.

For Bilbao, this may be the end of their European journey this season, but being able to show the fighting spirit and dignity of the Basque lions on the Dream Stadium is also worthy of respect. Regardless of the result, this will be a European war classic full of passion and tactical competition.

Match time: 3:00 am on Friday, May 9th,

Match location: Old Trafford Stadium

Do you think Manchester United can advance to the final successfully? Welcome to leave your predictions and opinions in the comment section!