Europa League LIVE: Man United thrash Athletic Bilbao to close in on final, Tottenham win but nerves remain, Chelsea cruise to victory

Firing shots

Back in North London, Spurs are piling pressure on.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have had six shots at the Bodo/Glimt goal since scoring, with the visitors having none.

James Maddison has come closest to getting a second, sending a volley just over the crossbar.

Doubling the lead would be massive for Postecoglou and his team, and it would certainly relax some nerves.

Taking a hefty lead into the second leg would be massive.

Heroic block

Victor Lindelof saves Man United.

The defender gets to the ball first after Inaki Williams drives a dangerous low cross into the box.

He then turns on the spot to block a shot from Alex Berengeur after his own clearance fell to the Bilbao forward's feet.

If Lindelof wasn't there, it's 1-0 to the hosts.

Since Man United had a goal ruled out, they've barely attacked and Bilbao are growing in confidence.

We're 20 minutes into tonight's semi-finals.

Inches away

Athletic Bilbao come so close to an opener.

Inaki Williams' header flies inches over the crossbar as he's found in acres of space in the box.

Somehow, Man United's defenders allow Williams to run into the penalty area and get a header away.

Fortunately for them, the older Williams brother can't hit the target with Andre Onana on his heels.

Scott Minto live on talkSPORT: "United go away with that one, they need some communication at the back there,"

Ruled out

Oh wow, Man United almost score early too!

Alejandro Garnacho has the ball in the back of the net after four minutes, but the offside flag is up.

VAR then takes a long look at it, despite having semi-automated offsides technology available in European fixtures.

In a tight decision, Garnacho ends up being ruled to be off though, and it remains 0-0 in Spain as United are denied.

It's been a busy start in Europe!

Kick-off!

We're underway in Europe!

What a huge night this is for Man United and Tottenham.

Their seasons are on the line as they get the semi-finals started, with a positive first leg result crucial.

United have home advantage in the second leg, so a draw wouldn't be a terrible outcome to take to Old Trafford.

Especially considering the incredible Bilbao atmosphere.

But for Spurs, who are at home tonight, they will feel they have to win this first game against Bodo/Glimt.

Stick with us for regular updates...

Injury blow

Here's some news Spurs fans won't have wanted just before kick-off in their crucial semi-final tonight...

Lucas Bergvall is in danger of missing the rest of the season after picking up an ankle injury, talkSPORT understands.

The teenager has been spotted on crutches and in a protective boot pitchside at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He was a shock omission from Ange Postecoglou's squad this evening, but it's the ankle issue keeping him out.

Bergvall has played a huge part in Spurs' European campaign, starting in 10 of his 12 Europa League appearances.

So, to be without him for this pivotal semi and potentially the final if they make it, it's a big blow for Postecoglou.

Atmosphere building

What a sight this is!

For the last couple of hours, the Athletic Bilbao fans have been chanting and singing in their thousands.

And that's all happened outside the stadium!

There's no doubt going to be a superb atmosphere inside San Mamés Barria, and that's going to make it tough for Man United.

Kick-off in tonight's games are half an hour away...

Palmer benched

Chelsea have chopped and changed their side despite the importance of winning their Conference League semi.

Enzo Maresca has taken a risk by dropping Cole Palmer to the bench along with Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto and Moises Caideo.

Only Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke keep their places from the Blues' win over Everton in the league.

Youngsters Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George are in from the off again in Europe, while captain Reece James is in midfield.

Djurgarden XI: Rinne, Danielson, Une, Kosugi, Stensson, Finndell, Gulliksen, Stahl, Nguen, Priske, Haarala.

Subs: Croon, Tenho, Bergh, Mulugeta, Manneh, Selfven, Persson.

Chelsea XI: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella, James, Dewsbury-Hall, Madueke, Fernandez, Sancho, George.

Subs: Bergstrom, Curd, Colwill, Chalobah, Gusto, Caicedo, Amougou, Walsh, Palmer, Neto, Mheuka, Jackson.

All change

Ange Postecoglou has made six changes to his Tottenham team following their 5-1 thrashing against Liverpool.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are back at centre-back while Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma start.

Richarlison also seems to be playing a wider role in place of the injured Heung-min Son, starting with Dominic Solanke.

The Brazilian is preferred to Mathys Tel and Dejan Kulusevski, who are both on the bench for Spurs this evening.

James Maddison keeps his place in midfield but there is no place in the squad at all for Lucas Bergvall.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Bissouma, Maddison, Johnson, Richarlison, Solanke.

Subs: Austin, Whiteman, Danso, Gray, Spence, Davies, Sarr, Kulusevski, Tel, Moore, Odobert.

Bodo/Glimt XI: Haikin, Sjovold, Nielsen, Gundersen, Bjorkan, Hauge, Fet, Saltnes, Maatta, Blomberg, Hogh.

Subs: Lund, Brondbo, Bjortuft, Moe, Auklend, Sorli, Hansen, Kjaer.

Too much pressure?

Ahead of Man United's potentially season-defining night in Spain, Ruben Amorim has spoken about pressure.

The Red Devils boss was asked whether the weight of playing for the club, as well as the weight of the situation, could be too much.

He responded: “No. I think they [the players] are prepared.

"If you see this team, maybe with some problems during the years, they were able to win cups and that was also a pressure.

"Especially the FA Cup is a big thing in our league. They are prepared, every player is an international. The context this season is really complicated in every aspect, so I don’t see that as an issue.

"They are excited to be here, they want to win, they are capable of winning. It could change our summer, it could change the next year, but if we want to improve the club, we should not be focused on this.

"It’s not the most important thing in our club. We have to deal with a lot of things in our club and we’ll be fine, with or without Champions League.”

Pitch complaints

Chelsea are potentially going to have a tough night in the Europa Conference League against Djurgarden.

The Swedish side play on artificial grass and their own players have been complaining about their pitch.

Winger Adam Stahl and striker August Priske have taken aim at the surface, with manager Jani Honkavaara questioning it too.

Due to worries over the passing on the surface, Chelsea’s possession-heavy tactics and building from the back plan could go wrong. 

And speaking on the matter, Blues manager Enzo Maresca has admitted: "It's completely different.

"I know that in the last weeks, even some of their players were complaining about the pitch.

"They play every week, so for us it's a different one.

"But there are no excuses, no reasons why we are not going to compete in this game and the second game at all."

Djurgarden ended 38-year drought, helped create Spurs ace, but complain about own pitch

'Not on any planet'

Ange Postecoglou has hit back at claims that Spurs winning the Europa League is the same as Man United winning the FA Cup.

The Red Devils won the FA Cup last season, seemingly painting over the cracks of a poor year under Erik ten Hag.

That result saved Ten Hag's job, albeit for a short time, and that brings parallels to Postecoglou at Tottenham.

His side have had an awful year in the Premier League, but success in Europe could well see the campaign end in glory.

Postecoglou said: "I am really strong at the moment on the parallel worlds we are trying to traverse and I have sensed, which is not surprising because this is the way this club is perceived, people are almost trying to diminish it in some respects.

"I have seen some people saying it is the equivalent of Man Utd winning the FA Cup, no. Not on any planet is it equivalent. That is suggesting that maybe we are not worthy of Champions League.

"Things are there that are designed to diminish what is ahead of us, which is an unbelievable opportunity.

"Irrespective of how this season has gone, we have generations of fans who want this more than anything else - to share this with the people that they love, a special moment supporting their football club.

"We could be flying in the league, but it wouldn't make this opportunity any different. The opportunity is the same and I have made that clear to the players."

New Leeds stadium must keep fear factor - Jordan

Simon Jordan is hopeful that Leeds United’s new stadium plans can keep Elland Road as one of the most intimidating arenas in the country.

Earlier this week the club unveiled pictures of plans to increase the stadium’s capacity from 37,645 to 53,000 as part of a modernisation project.

Councillors will now be discussing the pre-application phase of the process ahead of Leeds’ return to the Premier League.

Should the plans go ahead it will be a big upgrade for one of England’s most iconic stadiums, or as Jordan puts it, England’s most intimidating.

The former Crystal Palace owner said: “Having been an owner and gone round most of the stadiums, all of the significant ones in the Premier League and Championship, I always felt that the one that always stood out as the most intimidating atmosphere wise was Leeds.

“I don’t know why, at the time we played them they weren’t in good nick, Dennis Wise was managing them which always has its challenges when Dennis is involved, and they were in a league way below what you think Leeds should be involved in which was League One.

“Yet you still got this feeling… It’s certainly a big, big football club and the nature of that stadium, going to 56,000 with a fanbase that can fill it quite easily and probably has waiting lists.”

Haaland update

Erling Haaland is unlikely to return to action for Manchester City this week despite resuming full training.

The prolific Norwegian striker has been out since suffering an ankle injury in City's FA Cup quarter-final win at Bournemouth in March.

That raised the prospect that he could feature as City host Wolves in the Premier League on Friday, but manager Pep Guardiola downplayed those hopes.

Asked if the 24-year-old could be involved, Guardiola said at a press conference: "He's getting better (but) I don't think so."

Saudi Pro League target three Premier League stars

Emiliano Martinez, Leon Bailey and Darwin Nunez are the targets of another Saudi Pro League swoop as they prepare for a statement summer. 

The two Aston Villa players could aid the club’s PSR worries while Nunez, who has become surplus to requirements at Liverpool, could fund a new forward’s incoming.

This season was the first in which the £100million sale of Jack Grealish has not given Villa a boost in relation to PSR calculations.

It is a problem worsened by a wage bill which meant wages as a proportion of turnover hit 91 percent - the highest of any Premier League club.

Ollie Watkins has been linked with a move away but Martinez and Bailey could be the ones to follow in the footsteps of former teammates Moussa Diaby and Jhon Duran.

“There is concrete interest from Saudi Arabia in both,” said talkSPORT's Saudi football correspondent Ben Jacobs. 

“I’m expecting another big Saudi window much like in summer 2023. They’ll come in waves because there are foreign quotas.”

'I hope to stay'

Harvey Elliott has revealed that he wants to stay at Liverpool this summer, but may have the decision taken out of his hands.

The midfielder is yet to start a game in the Premier League this season and has been limited to just 15 sub appearances.

"Hopefully I am still here to be honest,” Elliott said. "It is the best place to be, the best club to be at and, especially having the fans around us at the moment, I don't think there is a better place to be playing.

“Players go through ups and downs but, at the end of the day, you have to come out fighting and I think it is within myself to make it happen. So hopefully I can stay here for the rest of my career.

"I hope I can push on [next season]. This is my team, I am committed to them and it's just a situation that is always going to have a lot of talk. I just need to think about what is best for my future, my career and, as much as I want it to be here, you never know what is going to happen around the corner.

“If I had it my way, that would be here, I would play each and every game here and stay here for the rest of my career but it all depends on managers, the people above and, as I said, you don't know what could happen. But as far as I am aware, I am here to stay and this is the club I want to be at.”

Hojlund 'playing for his Man United future'

Gabby Agbonlahor believes that Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana are playing for their Manchester United futures against Athletic Club tonight.

“Hojlund has to be more consistent,” he said.

“Defensively, is it going to be Yoro, Harry Maguire and De Ligt and Diallo are back in training so that’s promising.

“Onana in goal, can he just have a quiet game and do his job? Can he not make any mistakes or take too many risk?

“I think there’s a lot of players who are playing for their future at the club as well.”

Winning the Europa League could be pivotal for Man United

Gabby Agbonlahor believes that Tottenham are under more pressure to win the Europa League than Man United, with Ruben Amorim’s side potentially on the way back to the top if they win the tournament.

He told talkSPORT Breakfast: “I think it’s different for Man United than it is for Spurs. He (Amorim) hasn’t had the transfer windows that Ange Postecoglou has had.

“He’s barely brought any players in and he’s not been there for a season yet.

“If Man United do win it then it turns out to be a really good season. I know it’s hard to say that because their Premier League positions are similar but Man United could win the Europa League, be in the Champions League and they’re a massive club so they’d attract big names anyway.

“Before you know it, if you have a good summer of transfers out and transfers in then Man United are on their way back to being in the elite.”

Closing in on a return

Erling Haaland has returned to training with Manchester City following an ankle injury.

Images from an open training session on Wednesday showed the Norway striker back in training with the team.

Haaland said on X: "Getting better, feeling better."

He has been absent for City since sustaining the ankle issue in his team's FA Cup quarter-final victory against Bournemouth in March.

The 24-year-old has scored 30 goals this season for City, with 21 of those coming in the Premier League.

Mbeumo could leave Brentford - Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank has admitted that Brentford could lose Bryan Mbeumo this summer to a big-money offer.

He said: "If the right price — and that’s going to be expensive — is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it.

“I’ve said many times: we are a selling club.

"But at the same time we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world who aren’t selling clubs.”

Asked how he would replace Mbeumo, Frank said: "I lost Neal Maupay, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney as three key strikers that were 25 goals plus.

"Every season we replace the goals with other players so I am confident that we can do it again.”

Lamine Yamal 'better than Lionel Messi'

Lamine Yamal is already better than Lionel Messi was at this age, according to Ronald De Boer.

The 17-year-old lit up the Champions League clash with Inter and is showing that he's on track to rival Messi's achievements in the game.

De Boer told talkSPORT: "I got a message from Henk ten Cate who was the assistant coach at Barcelona under Frank Rijkaard when Messi made his debut against Espanyol and he said that Yamal is further than Messi at this age.

“Messi started really when he was 21 or something so at this age, he’s better than Messi when he was 16, 17 or 18 so that says something.

“For me, the only difference is the consistency. Messi stayed on for 10, 12, 13 years at an unbelievable level – can Yamal do that? Can he keep the hunger? Can he stay fit? Can he keep both feet on the ground?"