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AP PHOTOS: Europa League and Conference League semifinals

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AP PHOTOS: Europa League and Conference League semifinals
Sport

Sport

AP PHOTOS: Europa League and Conference League semifinals

2025-05-09 07:37 Last Updated At:07:52

Heavyweights Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur breezed past Athletic Bilbao and FK Bodø/Glimt, respectively, to set up an all-English final in the Europa League. They'll battle it out in Bilbao.

Meanwhile in the Conference League, Chelsea overpowered Sweden's Djurgardens, while Real Betis left it to extra time to break Fiorentina hearts in Florence. Chelsea and Real Betis will face off in the final in Wrocław, Poland.

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Betis players celebrate following the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis players celebrate following the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Jens Petter Hauge, left, and Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma in action during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Jens Petter Hauge, left, and Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma in action during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Betis' Abde Ezzalzuoli celebrates after scoring their second goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis' Abde Ezzalzuoli celebrates after scoring their second goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis' Isco shields the ball from Fiorentina's Rolan Mandragora during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis' Isco shields the ball from Fiorentina's Rolan Mandragora during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, back right, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's third goal of the gameduring the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, back right, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's third goal of the gameduring the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison, right, in action during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison, right, in action during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Betis' Abdessamad Ezzalzuoli celebrates with Antony, top, after scoring their second goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis' Abdessamad Ezzalzuoli celebrates with Antony, top, after scoring their second goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Tottenham's Dominic Solanke celebrates after the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Mats Torbergsen/NTB via AP)

Tottenham's Dominic Solanke celebrates after the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Mats Torbergsen/NTB via AP)

Bilbao fans cheer their team during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Bilbao fans cheer their team during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile, left, duels for the ball with Djurgarden's Santeri Haarala during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile, left, duels for the ball with Djurgarden's Santeri Haarala during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou salutes fans after the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Mats Torbergsen/NTB via AP)

Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou salutes fans after the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Mats Torbergsen/NTB via AP)

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho misses a chance to score in front of Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho misses a chance to score in front of Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Djurgarden fans support their team prior to the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Djurgarden fans support their team prior to the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Djurgarden's Daniel Stensson, left, duels for the ball with Chelsea's Reggie Walsh during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Djurgarden's Daniel Stensson, left, duels for the ball with Chelsea's Reggie Walsh during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Tottenham's Dominic Solanke, second form left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Tottenham's Dominic Solanke, second form left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, background, and Amad Diallo celebrate after during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, background, and Amad Diallo celebrate after during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala tries to save the ball kicked by Manchester United's Mason Mount during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala tries to save the ball kicked by Manchester United's Mason Mount during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Athletic Bilbao's head coach Ernesto Valverde watches his team during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Athletic Bilbao's head coach Ernesto Valverde watches his team during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, background, and Athletic Bilbao's Alvaro Djalo challenge for the ball during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, background, and Athletic Bilbao's Alvaro Djalo challenge for the ball during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Manchester United's Casemiro, bottom, and Athletic Bilbao's Yuri Berchiche challenge for the ball during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester United's Casemiro, bottom, and Athletic Bilbao's Yuri Berchiche challenge for the ball during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Fiorentina's Robin Gosens celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Robin Gosens celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Luca Ranieri reacts during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Luca Ranieri reacts during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Chelsea's Reggie Walsh, right, duels for the ball with Djurgarden's Hampus Finndell, left, and Djurgarden's Tobias Gulliksen during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Chelsea's Reggie Walsh, right, duels for the ball with Djurgarden's Hampus Finndell, left, and Djurgarden's Tobias Gulliksen during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Bodø/Glimt's goalkeeper Nikita Haikin looks back after giving up a goal during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's goalkeeper Nikita Haikin looks back after giving up a goal during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Fireworks before the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Fireworks before the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Manchester United's Mason Mount, left, celebrates with Bruno Fernandes after scoring their first goal of the game during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Manchester United's Mason Mount, left, celebrates with Bruno Fernandes after scoring their first goal of the game during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Betis players celebrate following the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis players celebrate following the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Jens Petter Hauge, left, and Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma in action during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's Jens Petter Hauge, left, and Tottenham Hotspur's Yves Bissouma in action during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Betis' Abde Ezzalzuoli celebrates after scoring their second goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis' Abde Ezzalzuoli celebrates after scoring their second goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis' Isco shields the ball from Fiorentina's Rolan Mandragora during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis' Isco shields the ball from Fiorentina's Rolan Mandragora during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, back right, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's third goal of the gameduring the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, back right, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's third goal of the gameduring the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison, right, in action during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison, right, in action during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Betis' Abdessamad Ezzalzuoli celebrates with Antony, top, after scoring their second goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Betis' Abdessamad Ezzalzuoli celebrates with Antony, top, after scoring their second goal of the game during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Tottenham's Dominic Solanke celebrates after the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Mats Torbergsen/NTB via AP)

Tottenham's Dominic Solanke celebrates after the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Mats Torbergsen/NTB via AP)

Bilbao fans cheer their team during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Bilbao fans cheer their team during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile, left, duels for the ball with Djurgarden's Santeri Haarala during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Chelsea's Benoit Badiashile, left, duels for the ball with Djurgarden's Santeri Haarala during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou salutes fans after the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Mats Torbergsen/NTB via AP)

Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou salutes fans after the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Mats Torbergsen/NTB via AP)

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho misses a chance to score in front of Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho misses a chance to score in front of Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Djurgarden fans support their team prior to the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Djurgarden fans support their team prior to the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Djurgarden's Daniel Stensson, left, duels for the ball with Chelsea's Reggie Walsh during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Djurgarden's Daniel Stensson, left, duels for the ball with Chelsea's Reggie Walsh during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Tottenham's Dominic Solanke, second form left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Tottenham's Dominic Solanke, second form left, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, background, and Amad Diallo celebrate after during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund, background, and Amad Diallo celebrate after during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala tries to save the ball kicked by Manchester United's Mason Mount during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala tries to save the ball kicked by Manchester United's Mason Mount during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Athletic Bilbao's head coach Ernesto Valverde watches his team during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Athletic Bilbao's head coach Ernesto Valverde watches his team during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, background, and Athletic Bilbao's Alvaro Djalo challenge for the ball during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Manchester United's Leny Yoro, background, and Athletic Bilbao's Alvaro Djalo challenge for the ball during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson )

Manchester United's Casemiro, bottom, and Athletic Bilbao's Yuri Berchiche challenge for the ball during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Manchester United's Casemiro, bottom, and Athletic Bilbao's Yuri Berchiche challenge for the ball during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Fiorentina's Robin Gosens celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Robin Gosens celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Luca Ranieri reacts during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Fiorentina's Luca Ranieri reacts during the UEFA Conference League second leg semifinal soccer match between Fiorentina and Real Betis at Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Marco Bucco/LaPresse via AP)

Chelsea's Reggie Walsh, right, duels for the ball with Djurgarden's Hampus Finndell, left, and Djurgarden's Tobias Gulliksen during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Chelsea's Reggie Walsh, right, duels for the ball with Djurgarden's Hampus Finndell, left, and Djurgarden's Tobias Gulliksen during the Europa Conference League semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Djurgarden, at Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Bodø/Glimt's goalkeeper Nikita Haikin looks back after giving up a goal during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Bodø/Glimt's goalkeeper Nikita Haikin looks back after giving up a goal during the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Fireworks before the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Fireworks before the Europa League semifinal soccer match between Bodø/Glimt and Tottenham Hotspur at Aspmyra Stadium, Bodo, Norway, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Stian Lysberg Solum/NTB via AP)

Manchester United's Mason Mount, left, celebrates with Bruno Fernandes after scoring their first goal of the game during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

Manchester United's Mason Mount, left, celebrates with Bruno Fernandes after scoring their first goal of the game during the Europa League semifinal second leg soccer match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao in Manchester, Britain, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

SYDNEY (AP) — Belinda Bencic rallied from a set down to stun No. 2-ranked Iga Świątek 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 to give Switzerland a surprise lead over Poland in the final of the United Cup on Sunday.

Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka, who will retire at the end of this season, played Hubert Hurkacz later Sunday, with the Polish player needing to win to keep his country in the tie.

Bencic, who had won all four of her singles and four mixed doubles matches this week, came into her match against Świątek having lost her last five matches against the former No. 1-ranked player.

It looked as if that trend was going to continue as Świątek started strongly and claimed the opening set 6-3 at Ken Rosewall Arena.

But the No.11-ranked Bencic shifted the momentum by winning nine consecutive points to open the second, evening the match in a swift 33-minute set.

The decisive third set hinged on a crucial break at 2-1, where Bencic capitalized on a powerful forehand to seize control. While Swiatek fought to save two match points with consecutive aces, her effort was hampered by an uncharacteristic 36 unforced errors, compared to just 10 from Bencic.

Bencic sealed the win with a sublime backhand winner into the open court on her third match point.

“To be honest, I felt I was in the match from the very first point,” Bencic said. “I thought I was going great and I was 0-3 down. I was ‘OK, what do I have to do.’ I think I just tried to keep the level and just wait for some chances.”

“I think the difference today was I played very freely, I was really enjoying myself out on the court and I was just really going for it.”

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Iga Swiatek of Poland hits a forehand to Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Iga Swiatek of Poland hits a forehand to Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, right, and Iga Swiatek of Poland meet at the net after Bencic won their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, right, and Iga Swiatek of Poland meet at the net after Bencic won their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Iga Swiatek of Poland Belinda reacts after missing a shot to Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Iga Swiatek of Poland Belinda reacts after missing a shot to Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland celebrates defeting Iga Swiatek of Poland in their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland celebrates defeting Iga Swiatek of Poland in their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, left, celebrates with teammate Stan Wawrinka after defeting Iga Swiatek of Poland in their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, left, celebrates with teammate Stan Wawrinka after defeting Iga Swiatek of Poland in their final match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

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