The 2025 UEFA Europa League Final promises to be a thrilling affair and will take place on May 21 at the Estadio San Mames

After a 3-0 defeat in Bilbao, Athletic's chances of reaching the final were only theoretical, while Manchester United took a confident step towards winning the trophy with another victory, focusing all their efforts on this tournament and stepping back from the Premier League.

In a packed San Mamés stadium, the visitors could have lost 2-0 when Iñaki Williams' dangerous header was saved by Victor Lindelof from Alex Berenguer on the edge of the box. The turning point came in the 30th minute, when Harry Maguire made a great cross from the right and Casemiro headed the ball into the net. Seven minutes later, after reviewing the video, the referee awarded a penalty for a foul by Dani Vivián on Rasmus Højlund, who was sent off. Bruno Fernandes coolly converted the penalty despite the discontent of the home fans.

Just before the break, Manuel Ugarte extended the visitors' lead to 3-0, skillfully capitalising on a pass from Fernandes. Ruben Amorim's side could have added to the score in the second half, when Casemiro threatened again after a corner. A fourth goal would have completely ended Bilbao's hopes, but even three goals should be enough to give them a comfortable lead ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford. Given that Tottenham won 3-1 at Bodø-Glimt in the first leg of their semi-final, the Europa League final could be an English one.

United currently sit 14th in the Premier League, 21 points off the fifth place that would give them direct entry into the Champions League. However, their chances of qualifying for Europe's premier club tournament via the Europa League are becoming increasingly realistic thanks to a confident victory in Bilbao. There is no doubt that the team will make every effort to reach the final, especially with leaders like Fernandes. The Portuguese player has repeatedly saved his team and this time his composure helped to take control of the situation. Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (34) and Radamel Falcao (30) have more goals in the Europa League than Fernandes with his 27 goals, which puts him on par with Romelu Lukaku.

Tickets for the 2025 UEFA Europa League Final are a chance to see the strongest European clubs play and experience the vivid emotions of a football spectacle.