Europa League semi-finals wrap: Atletico take control, as Bilbao falter

We were treated to an entertaining all-Spanish semi-final tonight, while Sporting secured a narrow first-leg advantage.

ATLETICO MADRID AND Sporting Lisbon both claimed victories in tonight’s Europa League semi-final first legs.

Sporting beat Man United’s conquerors, Bilbao, 2-1 in Lisbon.

The Spanish side took the lead with a volley from Jon Aurtenetxe, however Sporting subsequently fought back.

Emiliano Insua’s header levelled the sides, before Diego Capel’s long-distance strike sealed the win for the home side.

Meanwhile, in the evening’s other fixture, Atletico Madrid beat Valencia 4-2.

A Radamel Falcao header gave Atletico the lead, before Jonas equalised.

Goals from Miranda and Adrian Lopez, in addition to a second from Falcao, then put the hosts firmly in control.

However, a late Ricardo Costa header gave Valencia hope going into the second leg.

Results in full:

Atletico Madrid 4-2 Valencia
Sporting 2-1 Athletic Bilbao

Read: Muamba playing return ‘wouldn’t surprise’ Coyle>

Read: Deja vu: United top football rich list again>

Author

Paul Fennessy

View comments

Send Tip or Correction

Comments

George Thompson 11y

Install the app to use these features.

Mute George Thompson

Favourite George Thompson

Report

Sep 4th 2020, 10:45 PM

Who cares

Scott Walker 11y

Install the app to use these features.

Mute Scott Walker

Favourite Scott Walker

Report

Sep 4th 2020, 11:51 PM

@George Thompson: me and possibly the other 2,300 people who read the article. Why care to comment?

Defamation

Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel.
Racism or Hate speech

An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs.
Trolling or Off-topic

An attempt to derail the discussion.
Inappropriate language

Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs.
Spam

Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts.
Other

new ground

'Bundee has one but I won't be putting on a Mayo jersey yet!'

1 hr ago

23 seasons not out

Four league titles, five promotions, 92 wins, Mickey Harte's league record stands alone

1 hr ago

Longlist

Andy Farrell draws up initial 75-player list for Lions tour of Australia

18 hrs ago

The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie