The final match of the 2025 UEFA Europa League is just around the corner and will take place on May 21 at the San Mamés stadium

Athletic's 3-0 defeat in Bilbao left them with only a slim chance of reaching the final, while Manchester United secured an important victory that brought them closer to the title they had longed for after sacrificing their Premier League status.

In a packed San Mamés, the hosts could have scored twice if Iñaki Williams' header had found the back of the net, but Victor Lindelof saved Alex Berenguer's effort from the edge of the box. However, the game changed in the 30th minute thanks to a great cross from Harry Maguire and a precise header from Casemiro. Seven minutes later, after reviewing the video, the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Dani Vivian on Rasmus Hojlund, who was sent off. Bruno Fernandes coolly converted the penalty despite loud boos from the stands.

Just before the break the score became 3-0 in favor of the visitors thanks to a skillful strike from Manuel Ugarte, who sent the ball straight to Fernandes, and the captain did not miss. In the second half, Ruben Amorim's team could have increased the lead after Casemiro again made a dangerous header from a corner. A fourth goal would have practically eliminated Bilbao from the competition, and although it did not happen, the three-goal gap looks almost insurmountable for the Spaniards ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford. With Tottenham beating Bodø-Glimt 3-1 in the first leg of the semi-final, an English Europa League final is a distinct possibility.

Manchester United are only 14th in the Premier League, 21 points outside the top five – the places that automatically qualify them for the Champions League. However, their success in the Europa League makes their participation in Europe’s premier club competition a real possibility. A win in Bilbao would almost guarantee their place in the final. There is no doubt that the English side will be pushing hard to reach the final, especially with players like Fernandes showing their skills at key moments. The Portuguese has repeatedly pulled his team out of difficult situations and once again played a key role. In terms of goals scored in the Europa League, Fernandes (27) is second only to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34) and Radamel Falcao (30), sharing the position with Romelu Lukaku.

Tickets for the 2025 UEFA Europa League Final are a chance to see the best European teams play and experience unforgettable emotions from the match.