Playing at home, Manchester United (MU) was forced to give up 2-3 to Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16, Thursday or Friday (09/03/2012) early morning hrs. Although left earlier, Bilbao is able to restore the situation.
The game was a high tempo in the first half. Bilbao was able to create opportunities through Fernando Llorente first in the 5th minute. Unfortunately, his hard shot from outside the box just to the left side of the thin side, escorted by Chelsea goalkeeper David De Gea.
Nine minutes later, turn to Javier Hernández who get the opportunity. However, the ball left footed shot from outside the penalty box breakthrough Wayne Rooney's cross can be anticipated fairly well by goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz.
Throughout the mid-first round, Bilbao over control of the game. Several times a combination of Javi Martínez, Susaeta, Llorente is tedious and Patrice Evra's defense and his friends.
Nevertheless, it was Manchester United who are able to open the scoring first. Starting from a counterattack that was built quite well with the bike Ryan Giggs, the ball eventually flow to Hernandez. Mexico's striker then fired a fierce shot towards goal Bilbao. Iraizoz goalkeeper kick the ball to block less than perfect. Rooney, who received the ball gag, easily scored in the 22nd minute.
A goal, the more vigorous press MU Bilbao. One minute before halftime, finally Marcelo Bielsa's side was able to equalize through Llorente. The Spanish striker scored with a header hard, utilizing cross Susaeta in the 44th minute.
Into the second half, both teams are still presenting the game to attack. At the 50th minute, Muniain had a golden opportunity. But unfortunately, the kick from outside the box is still able to anticipate De Gea is performed quite well in this match.
Three minutes later, another stunning De Gea. The Spanish keeper was able to rescue a hit while holding the ball curling Llorente from outside the box.
However, De Gea can not do much when Oscar De Marcos escaped the offside trap and make a goal in the 72nd minute. Receiving feedback from the stomach breakthrough Llorente, Oscar kicks off the first time and then toward the left corner of the MU that changed the score to 2-1.
Omission makes MU inevitably appear oppressive. However, it just opens up space for Bilbao. Through a counterattack, Bilbao just added a goal by Iker Muniain in the 90th minute. Bilbao were leading 3-1.
Although the game is almost over, MU continues to try to cut the pace. Two minutes later, the hosts were awarded a penalty after defender Bilbao to handball in the box. Rooney, who became executioners, able to deceive the goalkeeper Iraizoz and cut the gap to 3-2.
MU tried again to catch up, but not enough time. "Red Devil" was finally forced to give up 2-3 at home.
The lineup
Manchester United: David De Gea, Patrice Evra, Rafael, Jonathan Evans, Chris Smalling (Michael Carrick 54), Phil Jones, Ryan Giggs (Nani 75), Park Ji-Sung (Anderson 62), Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernández .
Athletic Bilbao: Gorka Iraizoz, Andoni Iraola, Mikel San Jose, Jon Aurtenetxe, Javi Martínez, Susaeta, Ander Iturraspe, Ander Herrera, Fernando Llorente (Gaizka Toquero 81), Oscar, Muniaín.
Referee: Florian Meyer
