Williams’ Referee Critique
Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams fiercely criticized referee Espen Eskas following their 3-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Europa League semi-final first leg on May 1, 2025, at San Mames. Williams, supported by coach Ernesto Valverde, contested a pivotal first-half penalty and red card to Dani Vivian, claiming a missed handball by United’s Alejandro Garnacho in the build-up. “The play before the penalty comes from a handball by Garnacho, which the referee doesn’t see,” Williams told reporters, as quoted by Metro News. The controversial call, after a six-minute VAR review, saw Vivian sent off for denying Rasmus Hojlund a goalscoring opportunity, with Bruno Fernandes converting the penalty.
Bilbao’s Early Promise Fades
Bilbao started strongly, with Williams missing a close-range header and Alex Berenguer denied by Victor Lindelof’s goal-line clearance. However, Casemiro’s 30th-minute header, set up by Harry Maguire’s wing play, shifted momentum. The penalty and Vivian’s dismissal in the 37th minute, followed by Fernandes’ second goal before halftime, left Bilbao reeling. Williams admitted the team’s lack of sharpness: “We weren’t very sharp, no need for excuses.” Despite the 3-0 deficit, he remained defiant, citing Lyon’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals as proof Bilbao could overturn the tie in the second leg on May 8, 2025.
Casemiro’s Caution
Casemiro, named Man of the Match for his goal, 4 tackles, and 84% pass accuracy, rejected suggestions the tie was over. “I know this Athletic Bilbao team very well; they have great players,” he said, per The Guardian. His header, Fernandes’ brace (penalty and a flicked finish from Manuel Ugarte), and United’s 2.3 expected goals underscored their dominance, but Casemiro’s warning aligns with Bilbao’s Europa League form—4th in La Liga with the division’s best defense (22 goals conceded). X posts, like @almeriafan1, echoed Williams’ frustration, calling the refereeing “shite” and alleging a missed Garnacho handball.
Valverde’s Perspective
Ernesto Valverde also protested the officiating, noting, “We were good 11 vs. 11, but the sending-off conditioned the game.” He argued the penalty stemmed from a Garnacho handball, though VAR cleared it, and questioned a second-half foul by Maguire on Maroan Sannadi, which he believed warranted a red card. Bilbao’s 10-man effort limited United to 0.8 expected goals in the second half, but missed chances, like Unai Gomez’s wayward header, hurt their cause. Valverde’s belief in a comeback hinges on Bilbao’s home form (5 goals each from Williams and Nico Williams in the Europa League).
Second Leg Outlook
Williams’ warning, “We’re capable of overcoming that,” reflects Bilbao’s resilience, despite their worst European defeat since 2016. With the final set for San Mames on May 21, 2025, Bilbao’s motivation is high, but United’s clinical edge—19 Europa League goals in 7 games—makes the task daunting. X users, like @Julian_BO4, accused officials of favoring United, while @hanslgelderland blamed Bilbao’s “annoying fouls.” Ruben Amorim, cautious after United’s 3-0 lead, stressed preparing for Bilbao’s intensity, noting their early dominance. As United eye a final against Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt, Bilbao’s comeback hopes rest on Williams and a sharper attack at Old Trafford.
