Manchester United vs Lyon Report
Scorers: Ugarte 10’, Dalot 45+1’, Fernandes 114’ (P), Mainoo 120’, Maguire 120+1’; Tolisso 71’, Lacazette 78’, 108 (P), Cherki 105’
Red card: Tolisso 89’
In a season of struggle, Manchester United found yet another dramatic rescue act to keep their European dream alive, edging Olympique Lyonnais 5-4 on aggregate in a UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarter-final epic at Old Trafford.
From cruising with a two-goal advantage to trailing by two in extra time, before turning the tie on its head once again, United produced a night of unforgettable drama to seal a semi-final showdown with Athletic Club.
Lightning Start From United
With Champions League qualification now only realistically available via the UEL, this clash carried immense weight for Ruben Amorim and his under-pressure side. His players responded accordingly, storming out of the blocks and striking within 10 minutes. A pinpoint through ball from Noussair Mazraoui set Bruno Fernandes free down the right, and the Portuguese skipper’s low ball across the box was expertly tucked away by Manuel Ugarte.
United’s aggressive pressing almost brought a second moments later, as Alejandro Garnacho stole possession and teed up Casemiro, whose driven effort was turned around the post by Lucas Perri.
Lyon slowly found their rhythm midway through the half, with Paul Akouokou forcing a fine save from the returning André Onana, before Rayan Cherki began to sparkle, weaving through United defenders before twice being denied by the Cameroonian. At the other end, Fernandes came close to a Goal of the Season contender, smashing a volley against the bar and firing just wide with a follow-up long-range effort.
Their relentless pressure told just before HT, when Diogo Dalot controlled Harry Maguire’s diagonal ball and rifled a low shot across goal and into the far corner to double the Red Devils’ lead.
Lyon Fight Back in Breathless Second Half
United should have wrapped the tie up early in the second half when Garnacho raced through one-on-one, only to shoot tamely at Perri. That miss would prove costly, as Lyon clawed their way back into the contest on 68 minutes. A corner was poorly dealt with, and Alexandre Lacazette’s header across goal was nodded in by Corentin Tolisso.
Just six minutes later, parity was restored as Nicolás Tagliafico bundled in Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ mishit cross at the back post, stunning the home crowd.
Extra Time Madness: From Despair to Delight
The 90 minutes ended with Tolisso receiving his marching orders for a late trip on Leny Yoro – a moment that seemed to tilt the momentum back in United’s favour. However, Lyon, a man down, delivered a shocking blow when Cherki pounced on a loose clearance to rifle into the roof of the net early in extra time.
Things worsened for United when Luke Shaw conceded a penalty after bringing down Malick Fofana, and Lacazette calmly dispatched it to make it 4-2 to Lyon on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.
With time running out, Casemiro was brought down in the box and Fernandes held his nerve to bury the spot-kick and level the aggregate score once more.
Then, in the 120th minute, came the moment that will be etched into Old Trafford folklore. Kobbie Mainoo danced inside his marker and placed a composed finish into the far corner to send the stadium into delirium. And with Lyon deflated, Maguire capped off a memorable night by rising highest to head home a corner just a minute later and seal a scarcely believable comeback.
Next Stop: Athletic Club
While United’s Premier League woes persist, their Europa League journey continues, now into the semi-finals for the third time in five seasons. A showdown with Spain’s Athletic Club awaits, but after a night like this, Ruben Amorim’s side will believe anything is possible.
Lyon, gallant in defeat, exit with heads held high after playing a full part in one of the competition’s most dramatic ties in recent memory.
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