In a thrilling UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg, Lyon and Manchester United played to a dramatic 2-2 draw at Groupama Stadium on April 10, 2025. The match was marked by a series of intense exchanges, with both teams showing their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.
The evening started with Lyon taking the lead in the 26th minute when Thiago Almada's free-kick unexpectedly found its way into the net, catching Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana off guard. The ball evaded a crowded box, and Onana was criticized for his failure to react in time. This set the tone for a match filled with tension and high stakes.
As the first half drew to a close, Manchester United equalized through Lenny Yoro, who scored his first goal for the club just before halftime, in the 45+5 minute. Yoro flicked a header into the net after a well-placed free-kick from Bruno Fernandes was initially saved. This goal shifted the momentum in favor of United, who entered the break with renewed confidence.
After halftime, the Red Devils appeared more aggressive, particularly after the introduction of Joshua Zirkzee, who replaced the struggling Rasmus Hojlund. Zirkzee made an immediate impact, scoring in the 88th minute with a smart header, seemingly sealing a comeback victory for United. However, the drama was far from over.
In a stunning twist, Lyon equalized in the dying moments of the match. In the 90+5 minute, Rayan Cherki capitalized on a critical mistake by Onana, who spilled a shot from Georges Mikautadze. Cherki was quick to react, slotting the loose ball into the net, marking the latest goal Manchester United has ever conceded in the UEFA Europa League.
The match statistics reflected the evenly matched nature of the contest. Lyon registered 16 shots, with 5 on target, while Manchester United had 13 shots and also managed 5 on target. Lyon enjoyed 54% possession compared to United's 46%, highlighting the competitive balance throughout the match. Both teams displayed moments of brilliance and lapses in concentration that ultimately led to the draw.
Following the match, former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic did not hold back in his criticism of Onana, stating, "When you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history, you need to take care what you’re talking about." This comment came after Onana had claimed that United were "way better" than Lyon, a statement that Matic clearly felt was misplaced given the goalkeeper's performance.
Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim expressed mixed feelings after the match, emphasizing the need to focus on the second leg at Old Trafford, scheduled for April 17. "We showed resilience to come back, but we also need to learn from our mistakes, especially in crucial moments like the last minute of the game," he noted.
Lyon's coach, Paulo Fonseca, was pleased with his team's fighting spirit, especially after returning from a brief hiatus from competitive play. "We showed that we can compete with one of the biggest clubs in Europe. The players executed the game plan well, and I’m proud of their effort," he said.
The match also had its share of physical confrontations, with Kobbie Mainoo picking up a yellow card for a tactical foul to prevent a counter-attack. The intensity of the match was evident, with both teams pushing the limits to secure a favorable outcome.
Looking ahead, Manchester United faces a crucial task in the second leg, where they will need to capitalize on their home advantage to secure a place in the semi-finals. The stakes are high, as winning the Europa League remains United's only pathway to silverware this season amidst a disappointing domestic campaign.
As the teams prepare for the return leg, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Andre Onana, whose performance will be under scrutiny following the errors that cost his team crucial points. The upcoming clash promises to be just as thrilling, with both sides eager to advance in the tournament and showcase their capabilities on the European stage.
The UEFA Europa League continues to deliver excitement and drama, and the draw in Lyon sets the stage for a captivating second leg at Old Trafford. Fans of both clubs will be eagerly awaiting what unfolds in this high-stakes encounter.
