Manchester United beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first leg of the semifinal in the San Mames.
It was a match marred by a controversial referee decision
It was a match marred by a controversial referee decision and Manchester United capitalised on the decision as they gained an almost unassailable lead of 3-0 in the tie.
Ruben Amorim would be sleeping easy knowing their lead going into the next leg that will be played at the Old Trafford.
Manchester United scored three first half goals for the first time
Manchester United scored three first half goals in a knockout stage away game in major European competition for the first time since the quarter-finals of the 1965-66 European Cup against Benfica, 3-0 was their biggest half-time lead away from home overall since they were 5-0 ahead against Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup in January 2020.
Inaki Williams and Berenguer both came close for the hosts
United were on the back foot for much of the first half-hour, as Inaki Williams and Berenguer both came close for the hosts, but Casemiro headed home their opener before more drama unfolded five minutes later. Convinced by the VAR to change his original call, the referee awarded the visitors a penalty and also sent Vivian off, Bruno Fernandes subsequently converted the spot-kick.
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Ugarte’s clever flick sent United’s skipper through to add his second soon after, effectively killing the game. Agirrezabala was called upon to make a few stops in a less frenetic second half, as the English side ended with an xG of 2.58 to 10-man Athletic’s 0.98 which was a reflection of their dominance following Vivian’s departure.
Bilbao suffered their heaviest home defeat since 2018
Meanwhile, after suffering their heaviest home defeat since 2018, Athletic will have to raise themselves for another big clash, as they visit local rivals Real Sociedad, United’s victims in the last 16.
Bruno Fernandes once again came to Manchester United’s rescue as he scored a brace and held the team on his back. Another sub-standard outing for the Man United forwards as they failed to capitalise on a 10-man Athletic Bilbao.
Although Hojlund is the one who won the penalty, more is expected out of the forward who has continued to disappoint since his arrival.
The penalty decision was controversial as the contact was not major on Hojlund
The penalty decision was controversial as the contact was not major on Hojlund by Dani Vivian but the referee saw it was critical as Hojlund was denied a strong goal opportunity.
The referee after the VAR intervention, decided on a penalty and a harsh red card for Dani Vivian which changed the game and may have been the changing point of the match and the tie. A mountain to climb for Bilbao, who will be praying for miracles and would be hoping that the Williams brothers would go all guns blazing in the 2nd leg.
