Manchester United pulled off a sensational comeback in extra time to defeat Lyon 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate, booking their spot in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. The dramatic quarter-final at Old Trafford saw highs, lows, and unforgettable moments, culminating in Harry Maguire’s match-winning header in the dying seconds of extra time. United will now face Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, while Tottenham Hotspur also progressed after overcoming Eintracht Frankfurt.
Early Domination from United
After a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Lyon, United wasted no time in asserting their dominance at home. The Red Devils opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Alejandro Garnacho’s clever cutback was turned into the net by Manuel Ugarte. The early goal electrified the Old Trafford crowd and gave United the perfect start.
They continued to press, with Bruno Fernandes nearly doubling the lead with a stunning volley that rattled the crossbar. Their attacking momentum paid off just before halftime when Diogo Dalot capitalized on a loose ball and fired home in injury time, putting United 2-0 up on the night and 4-2 ahead on aggregate.
Lyon Fight Back with Determination
Despite United’s early dominance, Lyon showed resilience. They found a lifeline in the 71st minute when Corentin Tolisso headed home from a well-delivered cross, reducing the aggregate deficit to one goal. The French side grew in confidence and began to test United’s defence more frequently.
Nicolas Tagliafico leveled the tie just 12 minutes from the end of normal time. His strike crossed the goal line before goalkeeper Andre Onana could intervene, making it 2-2 on the night and 4-4 overall.
Lyon’s task became more difficult when Tolisso received a second yellow card just before full-time, leaving them to finish the game with 10 men. However, their spirit remained unbroken.
Extra Time Drama Unfolds
Extra time brought even more drama. Lyon struck first in the 105th minute when Rayan Cherki completed a brilliant solo run by Malick Fofana with a clinical finish. The goal made it 3-2 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate, shifting momentum in the visitors’ favor.
Lyon then appeared to be heading for a famous win when they earned a penalty early in the second period of extra time. Luke Shaw fouled Fofana in the box, and Alexandre Lacazette stepped up to convert the spot-kick, pushing Lyon to a 4-2 lead on the night and 6-4 on aggregate.
United’s Remarkable Comeback
However, United refused to back down. Almost immediately after Lyon’s goal, a VAR review awarded the hosts a penalty for a foul on Casemiro. Bruno Fernandes calmly converted the penalty, reducing the deficit to one goal again and re-igniting the hopes of the Old Trafford faithful.
With time running out, substitute Kobbie Mainoo stepped up and delivered a sensational equalizer in the 120th minute. His precise strike made it 4-4 on the night and 6-6 overall, seemingly pushing the tie toward a penalty shootout.
But Manchester United were not done yet.
Maguire’s Heroics Seal the Win
In the final seconds of extra time, Casemiro delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Harry Maguire rose highest to meet it with a thunderous header. The goal completed an incredible comeback and sealed a 5-4 win on the night, 7-6 on aggregate, sending Old Trafford into absolute ecstasy.
Reactions and Looking Ahead
“It was a great night,” said Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim while speaking to TNT Sports after the match. “Here, everything is possible. You feel the environment. At 4-3, after the Bruno Fernandes penalty, we felt we could change the game.”
This remarkable result sends United into their first European semi-final since their defeat in the 2021 Europa League final to Villarreal. They now face a stern test against Athletic Bilbao, with the first leg set to be played in Spain.
Spurs Edge Past Frankfurt
In another exciting quarter-final clash, Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the last four with a victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. The London side showed composure and tactical discipline to overcome the German outfit, and will now await the outcome of the other quarter-finals to see who they will face in the semi-finals.
Europa League Semi-Finals Line-Up
With Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both progressing, the Europa League semi-finals promise to deliver high-octane football. United will battle Athletic Bilbao, while Spurs prepare for their own semifinal challenge. The road to the final is heating up, and fans can expect more thrilling moments as Europe’s top clubs chase continental glory.