Where to watch Athletic Club vs. Manchester United: UEFA Europa League 2024-25 Semifinal First Leg

We are gearing up for an electrifying UEFA Europa League semifinal as Athletic Club hosts Manchester United on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao. This first-leg clash pits Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club, chasing their third European final, against Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United, aiming to reclaim the title they won in 2017. With a passionate crowd and a history of intense encounters, this match promises high drama.

Athletic Club’s home strength and the flair of the Williams brothers face off against United’s attacking prowess, led by Bruno Fernandes. We provide all the details, including broadcast options, team form, and predictions, to ensure you don’t miss this pivotal showdown.

Team Form: Athletic’s Resilience vs. United’s Flair

Athletic Club, under Ernesto Valverde, has been a formidable force in the Europa League, finishing sixth in the league phase (4W-2D-2L, 13 goals) and securing a commanding 2-0 quarterfinal win over Rangers, with goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams. In LaLiga, they sit fifth with 58 points, buoyed by a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad. Nico Williams (four goals) and Iñaki Williams (three assists) form a dynamic wing duo, though their defense, conceding 10 goals, faces a stern test against United’s attack.

Injuries to Ander Herrera (hamstring) and goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala (back) see Unai Simón stepping into the net. Athletic’s unbeaten home record in this season’s Europa League (4W-1D, 10 goals scored) and their 2012 Europa League knockout win over United (5-3 aggregate) fuel their ambition. The 50,000-strong San Mamés crowd will create a daunting atmosphere, but United’s recent heroics demand caution.

Manchester United, led by Rúben Amorim, has shone in Europe, placing seventh in the league phase (4W-2D-2L, 14 goals) and staging an epic 7-6 aggregate comeback against Lyon, capped by Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick in a 5-4 extra-time thriller. In the Premier League, they rank eighth with 50 points, following a 2-1 win over Everton. Fernandes (five goals) and Marcus Rashford (three goals) drive their offense, but their defense, leaking 11 goals, is vulnerable to Athletic’s pace.

Injuries to Luke Shaw (calf) and Mason Mount (hamstring) limit options, and Amorim’s high-pressing style could be exposed by Athletic’s wingers. United’s 5-2 rout of Real Sociedad in the round of 16 shows their firepower, but the hostile San Mamés environment and only 3,000 traveling fans pose challenges. Posts on X reflect excitement, with Athletic fans dreaming of a home final at San Mamés on May 21, 2025.

The teams’ 2012 Europa League clash, where Athletic triumphed, adds historical spice, though United’s current form suggests a tighter contest.

Viewing Details: Schedule, Broadcasts, and Lineups

The match kicks off at 1:00 PM Central Mexico Time (3:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM BST) on May 1, 2025, at the Estadio San Mamés. Broadcast options are:

• Mexico: Fox Sports México, Fox Sports Premium
• United States: Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, Fubo, ViX Premium
• Canada: DAZN Canada
• United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video, TNT Sports
• Turkey and Middle East: tabii

Projected Lineups:

• Athletic Club: Simón; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Guruzeta
• Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, de Ligt, Martínez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford

Betting odds slightly favor Athletic at +130, with United at +180 and a draw at +240. Both teams’ scoring records (Athletic: 13 goals, United: 14) and defensive lapses suggest over 2.5 goals (-110) and both teams to score (-120) as likely outcomes. A 2-2 draw is predicted, with Fernandes and Nico Williams shining, leaving the tie poised for Old Trafford.

A Thrilling Semifinal Showdown

We anticipate a high-octane clash, with Athletic’s home fortress and attacking verve meeting United’s resilience and star power. The result will hinge on how each side exploits the other’s defensive weaknesses, with San Mamés’ atmosphere potentially tipping the scales. This semifinal promises to be a fitting prelude to the Bilbao final, with both teams desperate for an edge.

What You Need to Know About Athletic Club vs. Manchester United!

• Athletic Club faces Manchester United on May 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM CMT at San Mamés.
• Athletic, unbeaten at home in Europe, beat Rangers 2-0; United stunned Lyon with a 5-4 extra-time win.
• Nico Williams and Bruno Fernandes are key threats in a clash of dynamic attacks.
• Watch in Mexico (Fox Sports), U.S. (Paramount+/CBS/Fubo/ViX), Canada (DAZN), UK (Amazon Prime/TNT Sports), and Turkey/Middle East (tabii).
• A 2-2 draw is expected, setting up a tense second leg.