Athletic Bilbao's Tactical Struggles: A Deep Dive into Their Europa League Exit

Athletic Bilbao's journey in the UEFA Europa League came to an abrupt halt as they faced a formidable Manchester United side, succumbing to a comprehensive 7-1 aggregate defeat. The final nail in the coffin was hammered in during a 4-1 loss at Old Trafford on May 8, 2025. This outcome not only underscores the stark contrast in the tactical setups of the two teams but also highlights the areas where Athletic Bilbao fell short.

Athletic Bilbao lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that has brought them success in domestic competitions. The double pivot of Dani García and Oihan Sancet was tasked with disrupting Manchester United's fluid midfield, while the attacking trio of Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, and Mikel Jauregizar aimed to exploit the spaces behind United's full-backs. However, this approach was systematically dismantled by Manchester United's pressing game and tactical flexibility.

From the outset, Manchester United's pressing was relentless. Their 4-3-3 formation allowed them to overload the midfield, with Casemiro playing a pivotal role in dictating the tempo and breaking up Athletic's play. Despite Bilbao's efforts, their midfield found itself outnumbered and unable to maintain possession, leading to frequent turnovers in dangerous areas. This was evident as Athletic's passing accuracy dropped to 78%, significantly lower than their season average of 85%.

Mikel Jauregizar's goal in the 31st minute was a glimmer of hope, a testament to Bilbao's ability to capitalize on quick transitions. The goal arose from a swift counter-attack, where Jauregizar latched onto a precise through ball from Iñaki Williams, expertly finishing past the United goalkeeper. However, this moment of brilliance was overshadowed by defensive lapses that Manchester United exploited mercilessly.

In the second half, Athletic Bilbao's defensive structure crumbled under sustained pressure. Mason Mount, exploiting the gaps between the lines, scored twice with precision and agility. Casemiro's headed goal in the 79th minute further exemplified United's dominance in aerial duels, an area where Bilbao struggled throughout the match. Rasmus Højlund's late strike was the final act in a well-executed game plan by the home team.

Athletic Bilbao's elimination from the Europa League serves as a critical learning opportunity. Their inability to adapt their tactics against high-caliber opponents highlights the need for strategic versatility. As they regroup for the next season, the focus will likely be on reinforcing their defensive resilience and enhancing their ability to control games against top-tier opposition.