In a thrilling encounter at Groupama Stadium, Rayan Cherki struck deep into stoppage time, securing a dramatic 2-2 draw for Lyon against Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash on April 10, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their strengths and vulnerabilities.
The night began with a shocking moment for United's goalkeeper, Andre Onana, who had been under the spotlight following a war of words with Lyon’s Nemanja Matic. Matic, a former United player, had labeled Onana as one of the worst goalkeepers in the club's history, a comment that added pressure on the Cameroonian. Onana’s misjudgment came in the 25th minute when Thiago Almada’s seemingly innocuous free-kick floated over the wall and slipped past him, giving Lyon an unexpected lead.
"It was a soft goal to concede," said Onana after the match, visibly frustrated. "I should have dealt with it better." The goal marked a low point for Onana, who was already feeling the heat from Matic's pre-match comments. The Lyon fans reveled in the mistake, chanting and jeering every time Onana touched the ball.
Despite the setback, Manchester United responded with determination. They equalized just before halftime through Leny Yoro, who scored his first goal for the club. The young defender capitalized on a scramble in the box after a free-kick from Bruno Fernandes was punched away by Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Yoro's instinctive finish brought the score to 1-1, giving United a lifeline and a chance to regroup.
The second half saw United gain momentum, with Joshua Zirkzee coming off the bench to make an immediate impact. In the 80th minute, he rose above the Lyon defense to connect with a pinpoint cross from Fernandes, powering a header into the back of the net. The Red Devils seemed poised to take a crucial away victory, leading 2-1 with just minutes remaining.
However, the match took another twist in the dying moments. With the clock ticking down, Lyon mounted a final attack. A low shot from Georges Mikautadze was saved by Onana, but the goalkeeper failed to hold onto the ball, allowing Cherki to pounce on the rebound and flick it home, leveling the score at 2-2.
"It’s the worst moment to concede a goal," Yoro reflected on the late equalizer. "Two-one would have been a good result away from home, but now we have to win it at home. They’re a good team with a good striker, and we need to be ready for everything."
The draw leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford next week. United will need to regroup and find their form to advance in the competition, as manager Ruben Amorim emphasized the importance of belief and resilience in the squad.
"We didn’t lose tonight and we can win at Old Trafford, of course we can," Yoro added, showcasing the team's determination to bounce back. United's path to success in the Europa League is crucial, especially as they seek to secure a spot in the Champions League for next season. A failure to do so could cost the club significantly, with estimates suggesting a financial impact of at least £100 million.
The match also highlighted the ongoing struggles of Manchester United this season, particularly in the Premier League, where they are facing the prospect of their worst finish since 1974. With only a handful of games remaining, every match counts.
As both teams prepare for the second leg, the stakes couldn't be higher. United will need to address their defensive frailties, particularly in goal, where Onana's errors have raised questions about his future in the team. Meanwhile, Lyon will look to build on their late equalizer and take confidence into the return match.
In conclusion, the first leg of this Europa League quarter-final has set the stage for an exciting second leg next week. With both teams capable of producing moments of brilliance, fans can expect another thrilling encounter as they vie for a place in the semi-finals.
