Athletic and Betis Face Contrasting Situations in European Semi-Final Returns

The Athletic and Betis face their respective Europa League and Conference semi-final returns this Thursday under very different circumstances. Athletic suffered a 0-3 defeat by Manchester United at San Mamés, while Manuel Pellegrini's team secured a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina. Athletic needs a miracle at Old Trafford, whereas Betis must defend their narrow lead at the Artemio Franchi, gained at the Benito Villamarín against last year's Conference League runners-up.

Athletic will also play at Old Trafford without the Williams brothers and the injured Sancet, as well as Vivian due to suspension. The feat seems almost utopian after the first-leg drama at the stadium set to host the Europa League final on May 21. The last time the Basque team reached a continental final, in this same competition in 2012, they won against United at Old Trafford (2-3). However, the decisive result the Red Devils imposed on the Lions at San Mamés places the English side in the title match.

Valverde's strategy will be crucial, as Athletic needs to be solid at the back, maintain composure, and hope everything goes their way, such as scoring an early goal to instil fear in the opposing players. This United is neither the team of Bobby Charlton nor Cristiano Ronaldo. It is a side currently fifteenth in the Premier League, with unpredictable performance, though it boasts great players who should not be underestimated.

In the third continental competition, however, Betis remains hopeful of reaching their first European final in history following their victory at Villamarín, thanks to goals from Abde and the team's most in-form player, Antony. In the Conference final, the winner between Betis and Fiorentina will face Chelsea, after their 1-4 triumph over Djurgarden in the first-leg semi-final held on Swedish soil.