In a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United secured their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League by defeating Olympique Lyon 5-4 in a dramatic match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last moments. The clash took place on Thursday, April 17, 2025, and was a nail-biter from start to finish.
The match began with urgency, as both teams were looking to capitalize on their previous 2-2 draw in the first leg held in France. Manchester United, desperate to salvage their season after a poor run in the Premier League, entered the match with high stakes. Coach Robin Amoreim maintained a consistent lineup, featuring goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was back in action after missing the previous Premier League match against Newcastle.
United struck first in the 10th minute when Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte found the back of the net, giving the home side an early lead. However, the joy was short-lived as Lyon responded just before halftime, with Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot scoring in the 45+1 minute to level the match at 1-1.
After the break, the tension escalated. Lyon took the lead in the 71st minute thanks to a header from Corentin Tolisso, but the drama continued as Nicolas Tagliafico equalized just six minutes later. With the match tied at 2-2 and time running out, the intensity heightened. Lyon’s Tolisso received a second yellow card in the 89th minute, leaving the French side to finish the match with ten men.
With the score still level after 90 minutes, the game headed into extra time. Lyon, despite their numerical disadvantage, managed to take the lead again through Ryan Cherki in the 105th minute, followed by a successful penalty from Alexandre Lacazette in the 110th minute, pushing the score to 4-2.
However, Manchester United was not ready to give up. Bruno Fernandes narrowed the gap with a penalty of his own in the 114th minute, igniting hope among the home fans. Just when it seemed like Lyon might hold on for the win, substitute Kobe Maino scored a remarkable equalizer in the 120th minute, sending the match into a frenzy.
But the excitement didn’t end there. In a stunning turn of events, Harry Maguire scored the decisive goal just a minute later, completing a remarkable comeback for Manchester United and sealing the match at 5-4.
This match was historic for several reasons. Manchester United became the first team in history to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match, and it was the first in the history of the Europa League to witness five goals being scored in extra time. Additionally, this victory marked only the second time in Manchester United's history that they won a match with a 5-4 scoreline, the first being against Arsenal in February 1958.
As a result of this thrilling victory, Manchester United will face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, who advanced by eliminating Glasgow Rangers. The win not only propels United into the next round of the tournament but also keeps their hopes alive for a Champions League spot, as they currently sit 14th in the Premier League, trailing significantly behind the top teams.
Coach Robin Amoreim expressed his pride in the team's resilience, stating, "This was a crucial match for us. We showed great character to come back from behind and secure the win. It’s moments like these that remind us why we fight for every point and every goal. Our focus now shifts to the semi-finals and continuing our journey in the Europa League."
Lyon's coach Paulo Fonseca, while disappointed, acknowledged the challenge posed by Manchester United, saying, "We knew they would come out strong at home. They played with desperation, and we had to adjust our strategy. Despite the loss, I’m proud of my players for their effort and determination throughout the match."
The atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric as fans celebrated a memorable night in European football, and the players embraced the significance of their hard-fought victory. With the semi-finals on the horizon, Manchester United fans are hopeful that their team can continue this momentum and possibly secure silverware this season.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, all eyes will be on the next match as Manchester United prepares to face Athletic Bilbao, aiming to keep their European dreams alive while also looking to improve their domestic league standing.
