It's a 2-parter this week folks! That's right, we couldn't contain all our thoughts on the semifinals to just one episode, so we've separated the Europa and Conference Leagues.

In this episode, we tackle tasty the Europa League matchups - Bodo and Spurs, Manchester United and Athletic Club - where the 15th and 16th-placed teams in the Premier League advanced to the final.

We discuss Spurs getting the job done in Norway with another professional and composed display, including how they were able to limit Bodo's high-flying attack, why Solanke and Bentancur were stand-out performers, and how fans should feel about Ange Postecoglou.

In England, Athletic Club had a big gap to overcome down 3 in the tie and without their star attackers. We break down how Athletic Club nearly gave United a scare anyway, why United were able to manage the game with limited drama, and debate whether the Basque side could've done more.

Finally, we look ahead to the final in Bilbao and consider the significance of one of the more bizarre European final matchups in history.

Cheers Ange Postecoglou and Ruben Amorim!

It's a 2-parter this week folks! That's right, we couldn't contain all our thoughts on the semifinals to just one episode, so we've separated the Europa and Conference Leagues.

On the Conference League episode, we take a deep dive into the Fiorentina-Betis thriller that sent Betis to their first ever European final after an extra time winner from Abde Ezzalzouli.

We explore the tactical matchups, including Betis' strength in transition and Fiorentina's set-piece dominance, laud the game's star performers - Antony, Isco, and Gosens to name a few - and track the wild swings of momentum throughout.

We also touch on Chelsea-Djurgarden, where Chelsea's B-team finished the job to advance. We debate Chelsea's best 11, what challenges Betis pose them, and appreciate Djurgarden's incredible journey and fans.

And check out the 2nd part of our semifinal coverage, where we tackle Bodo/Glimt-Tottenham and Manchester United-Athletic Club!

Cheers Manuel Pellegrini!

A brilliant round of 1st leg fixtures takes us just one step from the Europa and Conference League finals!

The story of the day was the shocking 3-0 United decimation of Athletic club at the San Mamés. We discuss Ugarte and Bruno's big days and Athletic's uncharacteristic defensive lapses, plus we have a hard conversation about the use of VAR in the massive penalty/red card decision that may have decided the tie.

Then we move on to Spurs, who confidently dismissed Bødo/Glimt, but still have much work to do in Norway to put away everyone's favorite underdogs.

In the Conference, Betis and Fiorentina played a thrilling match, where Antony and Bakambu starred once again. We talk Betis playing to their strengths, how Fiorentina got back into it, and what to expect next week in Italy.

Plus, is Johnny Cardoso actually the best USMNT player right now?

All that and some begrudging Djurgarden-Chelsea on this week's pod!

Cheers Ruben Amorim!

Timecodes:

Athletic Club-Manchester United - 01:05 Tottenham Hotspur-Bødo/Glimt - 33:49 Real Betis-Fiorentina - 58:15 Djurgarden-Chelsea - 01:21:20