Lyon vs Manchester United Report

Scorers: Almada 26’, Cherki 90+5’; Yoro 45+5’, Zirkzee 88’

Rayan Cherki struck in stoppage time to earn Olympique Lyonnais a dramatic 2-2 draw at home against Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final. The Red Devils remain unbeaten in six head-to-head meetings (W3, D3) and stretched their streak of avoiding defeat in the first leg of major European knockout ties to 12 matches.

Fast Start from United, But Wasteful Finishing

A raucous Groupama Stadium, fuelled by a deafening Icelandic thunder clap prior to kick-off, presented an intimidating backdrop. However, Manchester United looked unfazed in the opening exchanges, immediately asserting themselves. The visitors crafted a golden opportunity inside the first ten minutes, when Patrick Dorgu cut the ball back for Rasmus Højlund, but the Danish striker failed to hit the target from 12 yards.

Bruno Fernandes, typically the creative engine, came close shortly afterwards with a powerful effort that was deflected just over the bar following a desperate last-ditch block.

Onana Error Gifts Lyon the Lead

The match carried a touch of spice following pre-match comments exchanged between former teammates André Onana and Nemanja Matić, and it was the Cameroonian keeper who was left embarrassed midway through the first half. Thiago Almada whipped in a free-kick that evaded everyone in the box, including Onana, who managed to get a hand to the delivery but failed to prevent it from creeping into the far corner.

Just when it looked like United would head into the break behind, they found a leveller from an unlikely source. Teenage centre-back Leny Yoro diverted a volley from Manuel Ugarte into the bottom corner, leaving Lucas Perri rooted as the visitors went into the interval on level terms.

Both Sides Threaten After the Break

Yoro, buoyed by his goal, nearly had a second after the restart, dragging a shot narrowly wide from distance. Lyon responded with a decent opportunity of their own, as Corentin Tolisso danced into the area and created space, but fired directly at Onana.

The match became increasingly stretched as the second half wore on, with United slowly regaining control. In the 83rd minute, Alejandro Garnacho nearly gave the visitors a late lead with a well-struck volley from Dorgu’s deep cross, only for Perri to produce a vital fingertip save.

Dramatic Finale Sees Both Teams Score

Lyon nearly delivered the knockout blow through substitute Alexandre Lacazette, who curled an effort inches over from inside the area. But it was Manchester United who struck what looked to be the decisive blow in the dying minutes. Joshua Zirkzee rose above his marker at the back post to power home a header, giving the Red Devils a precious away lead – or so it seemed.

There was one final twist in the tale. Deep into stoppage time, Cherki pounced on a rebound after Onana failed to hold Georges Mikautadze’s strike, slotting home from close range to ensure the hosts head to Old Trafford with the tie delicately poised.

Second Leg Set Up for a Grandstand Finish

While Manchester United will be disappointed to have conceded so late, the result keeps their European aspirations alive ahead of next week’s return leg in Manchester. Lyon, meanwhile, will take confidence from their spirited performance and late equaliser, knowing they’re still firmly in the hunt for a semi-final berth.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Lyon vs Man Utd | UEFA Europa League 2024/25