Tottenham and Manchester United win: The English final of the Europa League is getting closer

(sda) In the Europa League, there are several signs pointing toward an English final. Both Tottenham and Manchester United could win the first legs of their semifinals.

Less than 40 seconds into the game in London, Tottenham were already leading 1-0. Brennan Johnson's header gave the favorites a perfect start. The English side then went on to lead 3-0 before conceding a goal in the closing stages.

In the 83rd minute, Ulrik Saltnes scored the only goal for the long-defeated visitors. This gives Bodö/Glimt hope for a continuation of the Norwegian fairytale.

Manchester United also took the lead against Athletic Bilbao. Although the home Basques had the better of the game in the first half hour, it was long-time Real Madrid player Casemiro who gave the visitors the lead with the first real chance.

Just a few minutes later, the game-deciding moment came: Bilbao defender Daniel Vivian held Rasmus Höjlund's shoulder after a cross, resulting in a penalty and the Spaniard's dismissal. Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty and doubled his lead before halftime.

For Tottenham and Manchester United, reaching the Europa League final would be a consolation after a poor season. In the league, the teams currently occupy only 14th (Manchester) and 16th (Tottenham). Chelsea was the last Premier League team to win the Europa League in 2019.

In the Conference League, Swiss international Ricardo Rodriguez can hope for a place in the final. His club Real Betis won the first leg of the semi-final against Fiorentina 2-1.

Abde Ezzalzouli had the home team celebrating at the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville in the 6th minute. Although the referee had to consult the goal-line technology, it confirmed that the ball had bounced off the underside of the crossbar and over the line. Brazilian Antony doubled the lead with a beautiful long-range shot in the second half, while Rodriguez remained unused for the hosts.

Fiorentina, who reached the Conference League final in each of the last two seasons but lost twice, held their own despite the impressive crowd. Luca Ranieri's goal gave the Italians hope.

In the other semi-final, favorites Chelsea didn't let themselves be fooled. Thanks to a decisive away win in Stockholm, in which halftime substitute Nicolas Jackson shone with a brace, the Londoners have more than one foot in the final.