Europa League Semifinals: United’s Unbeaten Run Faces Real Threat, Spurs Must Go All-In at Home

In the early hours of May 2, the first legs of the UEFA Europa League semifinals delivered a compelling mix of grit, unpredictability, and tactical drama. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, England’s last hopes in European competition, find themselves up against two wildly contrasting but equally dangerous opponents—Athletic Bilbao and Bodø/Glimt. United’s unbeaten record in regulation time this season has been heroic, yet it now faces its sternest test in the Basque country. Meanwhile, Spurs must press hard in North London against a well-rested Norwegian side that has made a habit of toppling bigger names under the harsh light of European nights.

Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United – Walking the Storm Yet Standing Tall

Athletic Bilbao’s rise this season has been nothing short of commanding. Currently occupying fourth in La Liga, they represent Spain’s vibrant, high-tempo brand of football with precision and discipline. In the quarterfinals, they comfortably dispatched Rangers with a 2-0 aggregate win. The Basque Lions were unable to finish the job in Glasgow, but once back at the intimidating San Mamés, they dictated every facet of the game.

From the opening whistle, Bilbao imposed their rhythm. Their midfield trio maintained excellent positional rotation, constantly feeding the ball forward with clean transitions. More impressive, perhaps, was their defensive cohesion. With four consecutive clean sheets in competitive fixtures, they’ve emerged as one of the continent’s most balanced sides. Notably, Bilbao’s proficiency on set pieces has become a quiet weapon; they’ve already scored 12 goals from dead-ball situations this season, and came agonizingly close to adding another in the previous round.

Now they face Manchester United—a team that refuses to lose in 90 minutes, yet often teeters on the edge of collapse. United’s quarterfinal against Lyon was not a match, but a saga. After squandering a two-goal lead and trailing by two more in extra time, the Red Devils clawed their way back to a sensational turnaround. Their performance was scrappy, flawed, and chaotic—but it was also full of heart.

That spirit, more than tactics or technique, carried them through. Even after Lyon’s captain, Corentin Tolisso, was sent off just before stoppage time, United seemed determined to make the task harder for themselves. They didn’t begin their miraculous rally until down by two in extra time, turning the tie on its head when most teams would have folded. With a Champions League spot potentially riding on Europa League success, every match feels like a final for Erik ten Hag’s men.

Still, the ghosts of the past are hard to ignore. Bilbao famously eliminated United in the 2011-2012 Europa League with a two-leg masterclass, and there’s a strong sense of déjà vu surrounding this tie. Today’s Athletic side plays with the same fearless intent. Based on current form, Bilbao may well exert two levels of their potential, while United—so often relying on last-ditch inspiration—might only bring one.

What makes Bilbao particularly dangerous is their belief. United may be unbeaten, but unbeaten doesn’t mean invincible.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt – When Rest Meets Relentless Force

Tottenham Hotspur, under a campaign strategy that clearly favors Europa League glory over Premier League standings, have made themselves contenders by sheer will and clinical decision-making. Their narrow triumph over 2022 champions Eintracht Frankfurt was a textbook case in pragmatism and poise under pressure. The hero of the night was Dominic Solanke, whose penalty conversion proved decisive. More than just a scorer, he frequently dropped deep to facilitate build-up and unleashed several dangerous shots and passes.

James Maddison, the midfield orchestrator, was central to Spurs’ progress. Drawing the penalty after a clever dribble into the box, he played a key role before being forced off due to injury. Even in limited minutes, he shaped the match. At the back, Tottenham showed rare resilience. After taking the lead, they defended with calm and intelligence. A crucial sliding tackle by Micky van de Ven denied Hugo Ekitike a golden one-on-one chance, preserving the advantage.

Now comes the real test: Bodø/Glimt, the Norwegian shock specialists. They stunned Europe in the inaugural UEFA Conference League with a 6-1 demolition of Roma, and their legend has only grown. In the current campaign, they eliminated Lazio—Serie A’s top seed in the Europa League group stage—in a penalty shootout. That achievement alone stamped their credentials as giant-killers.

Their first-leg strategy is clear and effective: maximize every bit of their home advantage. Artificial turf, sub-zero temperatures, and a pressing system that swarms from the first whistle—Bodø/Glimt make their Arctic fortress a nightmare for visitors. They scored twice against Lazio using this formula and nearly added more. In the return leg in Rome, they showed heart and discipline, battling from behind and holding their nerve through extra time and penalties.

An underrated element? Their physical freshness. With the Norwegian domestic league on a staggered schedule, Glimt skipped matches between European rounds. That recovery time was pivotal—and will be again in the semifinals. While Spurs are navigating a congested calendar, Bodø/Glimt will enter the first leg rested and prepared.

Tottenham, however, will be aware of this and come out firing at home. Their style under Ange Postecoglou has been bold and expressive. If they can’t win the midfield battle, they’ll try to overrun the flanks with relentless pressing and direct attacking waves. With home fans behind them and their tactical identity sharpened in Europe, Spurs are likely to unleash four levels of intensity to Glimt’s one.

But one is often enough for Bodø/Glimt. Their efficiency, composure under pressure, and ice-cold finishing make them a rare threat.

Final Word

There is an ancient thrill in seeing tradition and prestige collide with the unheralded and unbending. This year’s Europa League semifinals provide exactly that. Manchester United’s unbeaten run in regulation is hanging by a thread against a well-drilled Athletic Bilbao side that knows both how to frustrate and finish. Meanwhile, Spurs must harness every ounce of energy they have left to fend off Bodø/Glimt, a team that thrives in the shadows and slays giants for sport.

This is what makes European nights electric: not just football, but drama soaked in frost, fury, and fate.