Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt Reach Europa League Semi-Finals

Manchester United and Bodø/Glimt made history on Thursday night, booking their spots in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. They eliminated Olympique Lyon and Lazio in dramatic fashion. Now, the competition’s last four teams include Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Athletic Club, and Norwegian upstarts Bodø/Glimt.

WHAT HAPPENED?

At Old Trafford, Manchester United survived an epic quarter-final against Lyon. They overturned a 4-2 deficit in extra time to win 5-4 on the night, and 7-6 on aggregate. Harry Maguire’s late goal completed a stunning comeback for the Red Devils. Initially, they went 2-0 ahead, before the visitors fought back to almost knock them out. Lyon levelled the aggregate in regular time and went ahead in extra time, but United scored again through Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Maguire to reach the semi-finals in spectacular style. Meanwhile, Bodø/Glimt stunned added a new chapter to their fairytale by becoming the first Norwegian club to reach the Europa League semi-finals. They edged past Lazio in a tense encounter decided on penalties after a 2-2 draw on aggregate. Bodø/Glimt held their nerve to win 3-2 in the shootout and keep marching forward.

THE TEAMS’ FORM AND JOURNEY SO FAR

United have been unbeaten in Europe this season, showing resilience that kept them in the tournament. Key performers have been captain Bruno Fernandes and breakthrough star Kobbie Mainoo throughout their journey, which saw them show improvement in the knockouts after a nervy league phase. Domestically, United have struggled, currently sitting outside the top four, although inspiring European results did raise hopes of a trophy. Like United, Bodø/Glimt also earned a place via the UEFA Champions League play-offs. They have quickly become the surprise package of the competition, orchestrating impressive wins over Twente and Olympiacos to reach the quarter-finals before seeing off Lazio.

WHAT’S NEXT? SEMI-FINALS AND UPCOMING FIXTURES

The Europa League semi-finals are now set. United will face Spain’s Athletic Club, while Tottenham take on Bodø/Glimt. First legs are scheduled for 1 May, with returns on 8 May, all kicking off at 21:00 CET. Up against Athletic Club, who eliminated Rangers in the last eight, United will have the advantage of hosting the second leg. Athletic currently sit fifth in the LaLiga table and will host the final at their own San Mamés Stadium if they progress. Spurs, on the other hand, will host the first leg against Glimt before visiting Norway for the return. The Lilywhites remain unbeaten in Europe since their group stage loss to Real Betis, even though they suffered a poor league season and fell to the 15th place. United’s domestic challenges have placed added importance on their continental run, which looms as a lifeline for silverware this campaign. Likewise, Glimt will look to build on their dream run, although the odds are stacked against them as they face Europe giants Tottenham.