Berlin, 2 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - An all-English Europa League final is looming after Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 and Tottenhem prevailed 3-1 against the competition's sensation Bodø/Glimt on Thursday.

Casemiro's header and Bruno Fernandes' brace led United to a dominant victory in Spain, leaving them in a comfortable position for the semi-final return leg next Thursday at their Old Trafford stadium.

Bilbao were down to 10 men since the 35th minute as Dani Vivian as sent off for pulling back Rasmus Hojlund in the box. The foul resulted in a penalty converted by Fernandes for his first goal.

Tottenham also didn't have trouble to take the home win against Bodø/Glimt.

First-half goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison secured them a 2-0 lead and Dominic Solanke added a third from the spot after the break.

Ulrik Saltnes' late goal, however, will keep Bodø/Glimt's hopes of a comeback alive for the second leg at home.

United have won the Europa League once, in 2017, while Tottenham have won the trophy twice when the competition was known as UEFA Cup.

Captain Fernandes leads United to win

United didn't have the best start as Alejandro Garnacho had a goal ruled out for offside in the fifth minute and Bilbao got close to an opener in the 19th, but Victor Lindelof blocked Alex Berenguer's strike, which had Andre Onana beaten.

But things started to look better when Casemiro broke the deadlock in the 30th.

Harry Maguire sent in a lovely cross, which was flicked for Casemiro, who headed it into the net from close range.

The guests were awarded a penalty after Vivian pulled back Hojlund and Fernandes converted the spot-kick in the 37th, while Vivian was shown a red card.

Fernandes added a second to his name in the 45th, after Manuel Ugarte's back-heeled pass sent the United captain through on goal and he finished with composure.

The Red Devils could have scored a fourth shortly before the break, but Noussair Mazraoui's effort hit the crossbar.

"The first 20 minutes were difficult, the crowd were super loud and the intensity was high," defender Maguire told TNT Sports. "I thought the lads grew into the game really well, we weathered the storm."

He stressed, however, that "the tie isn't done we'll be focused, ready at Old Trafford next Thursday."

Tottenham delight home fans

Tottenham had the perfect start and took the lead in the first minute. Richarlison nodded Pedro Porro's cross to Johnson, who headed the ball into the net.

Porro also had participation in the second goal as his long ball found Maddison on the way to the box, who took a touch before unleashing a shot into the bottom corner in the 34th.

Tottenham were given a penalty after Cristian Romero was kicked by Fredrik Sjovold while going for the ball and Solanke scored from the spot in the 61st.

Bodø/Glimt showed some reaction and captain Saltnes did some fine footwork to find space and curl the ball between the posts in the 83rd and the Norwegians will gladly take this goal into the second leg.

"We're pleased. If before the game you would have said that we'd have a two goal cushion then we'd be happy with it. They are a tough team. There is a reason why they have beaten other teams in the past," Johnson told TNT Sports.

Four-time Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt only claimed their maiden league title in 2020 and are trying to establish themselves among the European elite.

They have impressed in the Europa League and finished the league phase in ninth - barely missing the top eight and, therefore, direct qualification to the last 16.

Photo: epa