Injured Inaki Williams Hails Athletic Club’s Spirit Despite Europa League Defeat to Manchester United
Despite Athletic Club’s crushing 4-1 loss to Manchester United in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, Ghanaian international Inaki Williams has praised his teammates for their determination and resilience on the European stage.
The highly anticipated clash at Old Trafford on Thursday night saw Athletic Club initially stun the home crowd with a thunderous long-range goal by midfielder Mikel Jauregizar just before halftime. The strike briefly gave the Basque side a 1-0 lead and hope of pulling off a historic comeback after their 3-0 first-leg defeat in Bilbao.
However, Manchester United responded with clinical precision in the second half. England international Mason Mount equalized in the 72nd minute, followed by goals from Casemiro in the 80th and Rasmus Højlund in the 85th. Mount then sealed the win with his second goal in added time, completing a dominant performance and securing United’s place in the final with a 7-1 aggregate victory.
Inaki Williams Reacts with Pride from the Sidelines
Although sidelined by injury and unable to participate in the match, Williams was emotionally invested in his team’s journey throughout the competition. Following the final whistle, the 29-year-old forward took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his heartfelt support.
“More than proud of my teammates and all the Athleticalez,” Williams wrote. “Thank you. We will come back stronger.”
His message quickly went viral among Athletic Club fans and Ghanaian football supporters, with many praising his leadership, loyalty, and unwavering belief in the team.
Williams has been a central figure for both Athletic Club and the Ghana national team, known for his tireless work ethic, pace, and goal-scoring ability. His absence due to injury in the crucial semi-final clash was widely felt, but his vocal support from the sidelines underlined his importance beyond the pitch.
Athletic Club’s Brave Effort Ends in Defeat
Heading into the match at Old Trafford, Athletic Club faced the uphill task of overturning a three-goal deficit against a resurgent Manchester United side. Manager Ernesto Valverde opted for a bold and aggressive approach, hoping to unsettle the Premier League giants early on.
That plan appeared to be working when Jauregizar launched a spectacular 30-yard effort past United goalkeeper André Onana in the 44th minute. The goal injected life into the contest and briefly silenced the Old Trafford faithful.
However, the second half saw United assert their dominance, with Mount’s equalizer setting the tone for a relentless offensive push. Casemiro’s close-range finish and Højlund’s clinical strike extinguished any hopes of a comeback. Mount’s second goal in stoppage time added the final punctuation mark on a one-sided aggregate result.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Valverde acknowledged the disappointment but praised his players for their effort.
“We started with belief and courage, and for a moment, we had them worried,” Valverde said. “But Manchester United are a team full of world-class talent and experience. We gave everything, and I am proud of my players.”
United Sets Up All-English Final
With their emphatic victory, Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final, where they will face fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. The final is set to take place in Warsaw, Poland, later this month and promises to be a high-stakes showdown between two of England’s biggest clubs.
United manager Erik ten Hag commended his side for their resilience and professionalism across both legs.
“We knew Athletic Club would come with energy and aggression, especially after their opening goal,” said Ten Hag. “But we kept our composure and showed the kind of football we’re capable of. Now, our focus shifts to the final.”
Mount, who delivered a standout performance, echoed the sentiment.
“This is why I came to Manchester United—to play in big games and help the team win trophies,” he told BT Sport. “Athletic Club gave us a tough fight, but we stayed strong and got the job done.”
Inaki Williams’ Recovery and Return Timeline
As Athletic Club prepares to conclude their domestic campaign, attention also turns to the status of Inaki Williams, whose injury has ruled him out of several recent matches. Club doctors have not specified the exact nature of his injury, but reports suggest he may return in time for the final few La Liga fixtures.
For Ghanaian fans, Williams’ recovery is of even greater importance as the Black Stars look ahead to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign later this year. His presence will be vital as Ghana aims to return to the global stage with a new generation of stars.
Williams made headlines in 2022 when he officially switched national allegiance from Spain to Ghana, fulfilling a long-standing dream to represent his ancestral country. Since then, he has become a key part of Ghana’s forward line and a fan favorite both at home and abroad.
Athletic Club Looks to the Future
Though their European journey has ended, Athletic Club will take valuable lessons from this season’s campaign. Their run to the Europa League semi-finals showcased emerging talents like Jauregizar and highlighted the team’s continued relevance in European football despite budget constraints and a locally sourced squad.
Fans and pundits alike have commended the club for its philosophy of promoting homegrown players and maintaining a strong Basque identity—principles that continue to earn respect across the footballing world.
For now, the focus shifts to finishing the domestic season strong and building momentum for next year. With key players like Inaki Williams expected to return to full fitness, hopes remain high in Bilbao that better days are ahead.
