The semi-final fixtures for the 2024/2025 UEFA Europa League have been confirmed after the quarter-final matches ended on Thursday night.
Manchester United will play against Spain’s Athletic Bilbao, while Tottenham Hotspur will take on Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt in the final four.
Athletic Bilbao booked their semi-final spot after beating Rangers 2-0 at home, with goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams. The Spanish club advanced with a 2-0 win on aggregate.
Manchester United had a tougher path, needing extra time to defeat Lyon 5-4 at Old Trafford. The result gave them a 7-6 victory on aggregate. United had drawn the first leg 2-2 in France.
Speaking after the match, Manchester United’s coach praised his players for their resilience. “It was a tough fight, but the boys gave everything. We knew we had to give our all to stay in the competition,” he said.
Tottenham Hotspur also made it through after a narrow 1-0 win over Frankfurt in Germany. Dominic Solanke scored the only goal of the game, giving Spurs a 2-1 aggregate win after the first leg had ended 1-1.
Spurs manager, Ange Postecoglou, described the performance as “strong and focused,” adding that the team is “ready to fight for a place in the final.”
Bodø/Glimt, the surprise package of the tournament, reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history after knocking out Lazio on penalties. The match had ended level on aggregate before Bodø/Glimt won 3-2 in the shootout.
The first leg of the semi-finals will take place on Thursday, May 1, with the return leg scheduled for Thursday, May 8.
Europa League semi-final fixtures:
- Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United
- 1st Leg: May 1, San Mamés Stadium, Spain
- 2nd Leg: May 8, Old Trafford, England
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt
- 1st Leg: May 1, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, England
- 2nd Leg: May 8, Aspmyra Stadion, Norway
An all-English final is possible if both Manchester United and Tottenham win their semi-final matches.
United are hoping for Europa League glory after a difficult season in the Premier League. They were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham and also lost to Fulham in the FA Cup. They currently sit 14th in the league table.
“We know this is our best chance to play Champions League football next season,” a United official said.
For Spurs, the Europa League is also their top priority. Postecoglou’s men have shown strength in Europe and will look to continue that form against the Norwegians.
