The UEFA Europa League final will be held at Athletic Club’s San Mamés Stadium, meaning only Manchester United now stand between the Lions and the chance to play the final at home. Ernesto Valverde’s side have already beaten British opposition in the quarter-finals by knocking out Rangers, and they have a strong record against United, having won three of their four previous meetings.
That includes victories in both previous home games against United, as well as wins in both legs the last time the teams met back in the 2011/12 season. Athletic reached the final of the Europa League that year and will be confident again, having won both of their previous UEFA semi-finals. They also have a perfect home record in this season’s competition, winning all six games, scoring 14 goals and conceding only twice.
Manchester United arrive in the Basque Country with a poor recent record against Spanish teams, having been knocked out by La Liga sides in ten of their last 15 European campaigns. However, Ruben Amorim’s team have been full of surprises this season, remaining unbeaten in Europe, despite a disappointing league campaign.
Their most dramatic moment came in the quarter-finals, scoring three goals in seven minutes – including two after the 120th minute – to complete a stunning comeback against Lyon. That win marked their 14th success from 15 Europa League two-legged ties and took them into their 18th European semi-final. They may take confidence from their recent form in Spain, where they have lost just one of their last nine matches.
Athletic’s Nico Williams could make his first start since returning from injury, having scored four times in their last three home games in the competition, including two early goals. For United, Rasmus Højlund found the net again at the weekend and has scored three of his nine goals this season in Europa League away matches, all after half-time.
