Prediction Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao & Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt – Betting Tips for Europa League Semi-Finals

The 2024/25 Europa League campaign has reached its business end, and the semifinals are just around the corner. In the quarter-finals, we witnessed some thrilling affairs. 

Manchester United came back from the dead to somehow beat French side Lyon, netting three times in the final six minutes of extra time, sparking scenes of pandemonium inside Old Trafford. Over in Rome, Arctic Circle underdogs Bodø/Glimt became the first Norwegian semifinalist in history as they upset Italian giants Lazio on penalties in the Stadio Olimpico. 

Now, however, attention turns to the semifinals, and a date with destiny in Bilbao on May 21st is within reach. Here is all you need to know about the upcoming final-four showdowns. 

Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao 

Heavyweights Manchester United have endured a disastrous 2024/25 season. A 1-0 defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 20th has left them languishing way down in 14th in the Premier League table, and the Red Devils look set for their worst-placed finish since they were relegated from the top flight back in 1974. 

Still, they have managed to find some form of solace in the Europa League. Victory in the competition will secure a spot in the Champions League next season, an achievement that would spark hope that greener pastures are just around the corner under new manager Ruben Amorim. 

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Unfortunately for them, they come up against an Athletic Bilbao side that's bang in form. The Lions are flying high in La Liga, currently sitting in fourth place and looking set to secure a return to European club football's most elite competition next season, whether they win the Europa League or not. 

And despite United's pedigree on the continental stage, it's their Basque-based opponents that online betting sites make the favorites to progress. The latest odds from some of the top online sports betting websites currently have Bilbao listed as a 4/5 favorite to reach the final, a final that their stunning San Mames Stadium will be hosting. They are also listed as a 2/1 second favorite to lift the trophy outright in front of their adoring home public. 

Head-to-head 

The two teams have only played against each other four times throughout both clubs' illustrious histories. Way back in 1957, United eliminated Athletic with a 6-5 aggregate victory in the European Cup quarterfinals. In 2012, the Basque side got a measure of revenge, beating the Red Devils home and away in the Europa League Round of 16. 

Betting Insights

As mentioned above, the bookies currently have Athletic Bilbao listed as a narrow favorite to progress. They are priced at ⅘, while United are an even money shot to reach the final. Both sides, however, are highly motivated. The Lions' home stadium will be hosting the final, and Bilbao will be aiming to secure an invite to the party that they are throwing for the rest of the continent. For the Red Devils, meanwhile, the Europa League represents their last chance at saving an otherwise disastrous season.

As such, it could be wise to expect a nervy first leg in Spain. Bilbao drew their recent quarter-final first leg against Rangers 0-0, and have also played out goalless draws against Villareal and Osasuna in recent weeks. United also know that they must avoid a heavy defeat in the away leg to have a chance of progressing in the second leg at Old Trafford, and as such, they could adopt a more defensive approach. 

Under 2.5 goals in Bilbao is currently priced at 3/4, while both teams not to score is listed at 4/5. Both could be wise bets. 

Tottenham Hotspur vs Bodø/Glimt

Much like their English compatriots, Tottenham Hotspur have also had a dismal domestic season. They too sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table, with injuries ravaging any hopes they had of building upon their fifth-placed finish last season. Manager Ange Postecoglou may well depart the club at the end of the season, even if he manages to deliver their first-ever piece of European silverware and a first trophy overall since 2008. 

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Bodø/Glimt are in dreamland. Their club has been completely revolutionized in the last few years and is the dominant force in Norwegian football. They have won the Eliteserien in each of the last two seasons and have made a huge splash on the continental stage as well. Over the last three seasons, they have beaten the likes of Lazio, Roma, Celtic, and Olympiacos, and adding Spurs to their list of scalps would be the biggest of them all. 

Head-to-head 

This will be the very first meeting between the two sides. 

Betting Insights 

Even though Spurs are somewhat out of sorts and Bodø/Glimt are the form team, the huge gulf in terms of quality and finances between the two teams has led the bookies to favor the Premier League team. Tottenham are not only a 2/5 favorite to reach the final, but they're also the 15/8 favorite to win the competition outright. Their Norwegian opponents are a 13/4 shot to progress and a whopping 12/1 outsider to claim the trophy in Bilbao. 

Despite the Londoners being heavy favorites, Bodø/Glimt will still be aiming to give a great account of themselves. We can see them scoring in the first leg away from home, with both teams to score priced at 4/5 and looking enticing. Their home form is also imperious, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them pick up the victory in the reverse fixture in the Arctic Circle, even if they ultimately lose out on aggregate.