By Nurudeen Obalola
Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea took significant steps towards reaching the finals of the UEFA Europa League and Conference League with big victories in their semi-final first leg fixtures on Thursday night.
While United and Spurs are on the brink of an all-English Europa League final, Chelsea have one foot in the Conference League decider.
Manchester United produced the biggest surprise of the night by beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in Spain, while Tottenham defeated Bodoe/Glimt 3-1 in London and Chelsea overcame Djugarden 4-1 in Sweden.
Bruno Fernandes scored twice at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao — designated venue of the Europa League final — and Casemiro added the other goal as Athletic played the whole second half with 10 men.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 30th minute after United had survived Athletic’s manic pressing, nodding home after good work from Harry Maguire down the right flank.
Things then went from bad to worse for the hosts as Dani Vivian was sent off and a penalty awarded to the visitors for pulling back Rasmus Hojlund in the box and denying a goal-scoring opportunity.
The decisions were taken after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, and the delay did not affect Fernandes as he slotted home the spot kick eight minutes before the break.
The United captain completed his brace on the stroke of half-time after being cleverly set up by Manuel Ugarte.
Despite their numerical advantage, United did not add to their tally in the second half, as they looked happy to keep their three-goal lead ahead of next Thursday’s second leg at Old Trafford.
At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke struck for Spurs before Ulrik Saltness pulled one back for the Norwegian visitors seven minutes from time.
Chelsea were dominant in Sweden, with Nicolas Jackson netting twice to add to goals from Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke as they take a healthy lead back to Stamford Bridge.
In the other Conference League first leg, Real Betis defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in Spain, with Antony scoring a stunning goal for the hosts against his former Manchester United teammate David de Gea.
RESULTS
EUROPA LEAGUE
Athletic Bilbao 0-3 Manchester United
Tottenham 3-1 Bodoe/Glimt
CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Djugarden 1-4 Chelsea
Real Betis 2-1 Fiorentina
