Man Utd Absolutely Crushed Athletic Bilbao!
Wow. Just wow. Manchester United absolutely *thrashed* Athletic Bilbao last night, winning 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. I mean, a 3-0 win at the San Mames? That's not just a win, that's a statement. They were dominant from the kickoff, and it felt like Bilbao never really stood a chance.
Casemiro: The Real MVP?
Rio Ferdinand, the legend himself, called Casemiro's performance "sensational," and honestly, I'm inclined to agree. He wasn't just playing well; he was *leading* the team. Dictating the tempo, winning every duel, making almost every pass… it was mesmerizing. Rio even said Casemiro was practically coaching the team out there! The stats back it up too: 85% pass completion, 9 of 12 duels won, 5 clearances, and 4 tackles. That’s not just good, it’s phenomenal.
Fernandes' Brace and a Bit of VAR Drama
And then there's Bruno Fernandes. Two goals! His first was a penalty after a VAR review that also saw Athletic Bilbao's Dani Vivian get a red card. The Spanish press went a bit nuts about it, accusing bias and all that. But Fernandes just shrugged it off, saying it was a clear foul and the rules are the rules. He even said he only truly relaxes "when I die"—talk about pressure! You know, sometimes that level of intensity is pretty impressive.
Scholesy's Take and the Road Ahead
Even Paul Scholes, another United legend, was blown away, especially by the first-half performance. Yes, the red card helped, but let's be real—United were already all over them. And with a 3-0 lead going into the second leg at Old Trafford… it's hard to see anything but a United victory. I did some digging, and apparently, 133 teams have had a three-goal lead in the first leg of a Europa League semi-final, and *every single one* went through to the next round. That's pretty reassuring.
A Night to Remember for United
It was a brilliant team performance, a true display of what Manchester United are capable of. Casemiro’s masterclass in midfield, Fernandes' clinical finishing—it all came together perfectly. They've had a bit of a rollercoaster season, but they're definitely hitting their stride at just the right time. This win feels like a turning point, a statement of intent. They’re looking seriously strong, and a Europa League trophy is definitely within their reach now. To keep up to date with all things Manchester United, be sure to check out our website!
