The 2024–25 UEFA Europa League semi-finals kick off today, Thursday, May 1, 2025, with two thrilling first-leg matches. Athletic Club de Bilbao hosts Manchester United at San Mamés, while Tottenham Hotspur welcomes Bodø/Glimt to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both encounters promise high-stakes drama as teams vie for a spot in the final at San Mamés on May 21.
Europa League Semi-Final Fixtures
Athletic Club vs Manchester United: A Battle of Ambitions
Kick-off: 20:00 BST | 21:00 CET
Athletic Club enters this semi-final with aspirations of reaching a home final, while Manchester United views this competition as their last chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. The Red Devils’ remarkable comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals has injected new life into their campaign. However, they face a formidable opponent in Athletic Club, who boast the best defensive record in La Liga this season. Key players like Nico Williams, recently recovered from injury, will be pivotal for Bilbao’s attack. Manager Ernesto Valverde emphasizes the importance of a strong performance in the first leg to set the tone for the tie.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt: The Underdog Challenge
Kick-off: 20:00 BST | 21:00 CET
Tottenham Hotspur faces Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, who are making history as the first Norwegian team to reach a European semi-final. Despite Spurs’ underwhelming domestic season, they remain favorites, having navigated challenging ties against AZ Alkmaar and Eintracht Frankfurt in the knockout stages. Manager Ange Postecoglou emphasizes the significance of this opportunity to secure silverware and restore pride. However, Bodø/Glimt’s resilience and recent victories over teams like Lazio highlight their potential to cause an upset.
Key Players to Watch
- Nico Williams (Athletic Club): The 22-year-old winger has been in exceptional form, contributing significantly to Bilbao’s attacking prowess. His pace and creativity will be crucial in breaking down United’s defense.
- Harry Maguire (Manchester United): Maguire’s leadership and defensive solidity will be vital for United, especially in containing Bilbao’s attacking threats.
- James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur): Maddison’s playmaking ability and vision can unlock Bodø/Glimt’s defense, providing Spurs with the creativity needed to succeed.
- Kasper Høgh (Bodø/Glimt): As a key figure in Bodø/Glimt’s midfield, Høgh’s control and distribution will be essential in dictating the tempo of the game.
Match Previews
- Athletic Club vs Manchester United: Athletic Club’s strong defensive record and home advantage make them formidable opponents. United’s recent European form, including a dramatic quarter-final victory, gives them confidence. The first leg will be crucial in setting the stage for the second leg at Old Trafford.
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt: Tottenham’s experience in European competitions positions them as favorites, but Bodø/Glimt’s historic run and resilience cannot be underestimated. The first leg at home provides Spurs with an opportunity to establish a strong lead.
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Conclusion
Today’s Europa League semi-final first legs set the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament. With both ties evenly matched, the outcomes of these matches will be pivotal in determining who advances to the final in Bilbao. Fans can expect high-intensity football and memorable moments as teams battle for a chance at European glory.
