As we head into the business end of the UEFA Europa League, the stakes couldn’t be higher with two tantalising semi-final first legs set for Thursday, 1st May 2025. Four clubs, each with their own distinct story and motivation, are just two games away from a coveted place in the Final.
For Athletic Bilbao, there’s a rare opportunity to secure a European trophy on home soil, while Manchester United are aiming to salvage a turbulent campaign with silverware and Champions League qualification. Over in North London, Tottenham Hotspur are looking to end a drought of major honours, but they face a fearless Bodo/Glimt side who have already made history and continue to punch above their weight.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the semi-final clashes, along with our score predictions, betting tips, and match winner forecasts.
Athletic Bilbao vs Manchester United
Match Info
- UEFA Europa League – Semi-Final (First Leg)
- Thursday 1st May 2025, 15:00 EST / 20:00 GMT
- San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain
Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao are enjoying a fairytale run through this season’s Europa League, driven by the dream of lifting the trophy in their very own San Mamés stadium. The Basque club, known for their fiercely unique policy of recruiting only local players, have seen their European ambitions align perfectly with a balanced, spirited squad. Following a strong showing in the League Phase, Bilbao have claimed scalps such as Roma and Rangers, showcasing both tactical discipline and attacking flair.
San Mamés has been a fortress in Europe, with the hosts winning all six of their home matches in this competition. The team are riding a wave of confidence, unbeaten in their last ten home fixtures across all competitions, and have taken seven wins from their most recent nine on home soil. With star winger Nico Williams fit and firing, though top scorer Oihan Sancet is sidelined, Bilbao’s hopes of securing a first-leg lead remain high.
Manchester United
It’s been a season of contrasts for Manchester United, where their European form has far outshone their domestic efforts. The Red Devils remain the only unbeaten side in all European competitions this term, having edged past Real Sociedad and Lyon with resilience and late drama. However, a patchy record in the Premier League—where wins have been few and far between—raises concerns over their consistency.
United have managed just one win in their last eight away fixtures in all competitions, and they enter this semi-final leg with several injuries, including key full-back Diogo Dalot. Other first-team players such as Matthijs de Ligt and Amad are also doubtful for the trip to Bilbao. Still, with a spot in the Champions League and a European trophy within reach, expect them to give everything they have.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Athletic Bilbao to win
Home advantage and a perfect Europa League record in San Mamés this season give Athletic Bilbao the edge here. United’s away form, coupled with injury woes, could make this a tough night for the English giants.
America Bet Score Prediction
Athletic Bilbao 2 – 1 Manchester United
Bilbao’s momentum at home and United’s defensive vulnerabilities suggest the Spanish side will take a narrow lead into the second leg.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Athletic Bilbao to win
- Both Teams to Score – Yes
- Over 2.5 Goals
- Nico Williams to score anytime
- Athletic Bilbao to score first
- Draw/Athletic Bilbao – Half-Time/Full-Time
- Manchester United Over 1.5 Cards
- Total Corners Over 9.5
- Manchester United to score in Second Half
- Athletic Bilbao to win by 1 goal margin
Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodo/Glimt
Match Info
- UEFA Europa League – Semi-Final (First Leg)
- Thursday 1st May 2025, 15:00 EST / 20:00 GMT
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
Tottenham Hotspur
There’s an air of finality surrounding Tottenham Hotspur’s season, with many expecting manager Ange Postecoglou to move on in the summer. Yet despite a grim domestic campaign and a drubbing at Anfield over the weekend, Spurs remain alive in Europe—an opportunity to end a long wait for major silverware and restore some pride.
Spurs fans have endured frustration this season, but their Europa League journey offers a rare glimmer of hope. Four wins from their last six ties in the competition, and an unbeaten home record in Europe this term, provide reason for cautious optimism. Though star man Heung-Min Son remains a doubt, Postecoglou rotated heavily at the weekend, preserving key players for what could be their biggest night of the season.
Bodo/Glimt
Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt are the fairytale story of the Europa League this season. Having already gone deeper than ever before by knocking out Lazio on penalties, they arrive in North London full of belief. Their journey has featured plenty of drama, grit, and a refusal to be overawed by bigger clubs.
However, away form remains a concern—Bodo/Glimt have lost all three knockout fixtures on the road, conceding two goals in each. While they’ve started their domestic campaign solidly, with just one loss in eight, the step up in European quality continues to test them. With Andreas Helmersen suspended after his red card in Rome, their attacking options are slightly diminished heading into this critical first leg.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Tottenham Hotspur to win
Tottenham’s superior quality and unbeaten home form in Europe this season gives them the advantage. Bodo/Glimt have struggled on their travels in the knockout rounds and may find it hard to contain a Spurs side looking for redemption.
America Bet Score Prediction
Tottenham Hotspur 3 – 1 Bodo/Glimt
Expect Spurs to come out with urgency and take control early. The visitors may sneak a goal, but Tottenham should be too strong over 90 minutes.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Tottenham Hotspur to win
- Over 2.5 Goals
- Tottenham Hotspur -1 (Asian Handicap)
- Both Teams to Score – Yes
- Brennan Johnson to score anytime
- Tottenham Hotspur Over 6.5 Corners
- First Goal – Tottenham Hotspur
- Bodo/Glimt to receive Over 1.5 Cards
- Tottenham Hotspur to lead at Half-Time
- Exact Scoreline: 3-1
