Inaki Williams Vows Europa League Comeback Despite Athletic Bilbao’s 3-0 Loss to Manchester United
Ghana international Inaki Williams is keeping the faith in Athletic Bilbao’s Europa League journey, despite a crushing 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United in the first leg of their semifinal clash on Thursday night at San Mames.
Williams, who played 87 minutes in the tie, was unable to help his side avoid a heavy loss to the Premier League giants, who took a commanding lead in the two-legged encounter.
Goals from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who netted a brace, and a strike from Casemiro sealed a dominant win for the visitors.
With the second leg set for Old Trafford, Bilbao now faces a mammoth task to overturn the deficit and keep their European hopes alive. Despite the odds, the 29-year-old Ghanaian forward is refusing to surrender.
“Today we’re going to bed feeling screwed, but starting tomorrow we’re feeling hopeful. We’re not throwing in the towel,” Inaki Williams said after the match.
He also questioned some of the officiating decisions that went against his side, particularly the penalty awarded to United.
“There have been some dubious situations. I think a double punishment is excessive. The penalty came after a handball from Garnacho that the referee didn’t see, and from a challenge by Vivian with him—it’s football. At the slightest contact, the player went down.”
Williams remains defiant and optimistic about the second leg.
“We are capable of coming back from this result. We’re going to Old Trafford to give it all. Our work throughout the season speaks for itself. There’s reason to trust, to have faith. 10.9% FAITH.”
The Black Stars striker has been instrumental in Bilbao’s European campaign this season, contributing five goals and one assist in 12 Europa League matches. Across all competitions, he has tallied 11 goals and nine assists in 47 appearances.
