Manchester United

Athletic push hard but fall at Old Trafford

The Lions had United on the ropes until the 70th minute thanks to a Jauregizar strike, but were undone by Mount's goal and conceded three more.

The Lions dreamed for as long they could thanks to Mikel Jauregizar's wonder goal, but coming back from three goals down was an almost mission impossible. Mason Mount (two goals), Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund inflicted an exaggerated defeat the Zurigorri.

Backed an incredible crowd, with 4,000 Lions in the stands cheering their lungs out, a task made even more impossible by the absence of the Williams brothers, Oihan Sancet and Dani Vivian, Athletic showed their ferocity.

Alex Berenguer had a clear chance just after kick-off, before Alejandro Garnacho was denied by Julen Agirrezabala. With Ernesto Valverde's side in control, Jauregizar beat Andre Onana with an incredible shot.

Not long before the break, Garnacho was through one-on-one with Julen, but sent his shot wide. After the interval, Athletic through the kitchen sink at Man United. Several shots went off targets, there were many corners and Unai Nuñez went close to making it 0-2 with a header at the back post.

But Mount's goal, with Beñat Prados injured in a very hard tackle, started a freefall which saw Athletic concede three more unanswered blows.

Nonethless, this does not tarnish what has a been a great adventure on Athletic's return to Europe.

The dream final at San Mames will be Tottenham vs United. But Athletic still have a big challenge, to get into the Champions League. The first challenge starts on Sunday with the derby at San Mames. The Cathedral must boil like Old Trafford.