In a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in Europa League history, defeating Lyon 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate to secure their place in the semi-finals. The match, held on April 17, 2025, was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with stunning goals, penalties, and a red card that changed the course of the game.
The Red Devils started brightly, taking the lead just ten minutes into the match. A slick move involving Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho saw the latter set up Manuel Ugarte, who slotted home with precision to give United an early advantage. The home side continued to dominate possession, and Fernandes nearly doubled the lead in the 35th minute with a stunning volley that rattled the crossbar.
As the first half drew to a close, United's pressure paid off when Diogo Dalot scored a well-timed goal just before the break, making it 2-0. A long ball from Harry Maguire found Dalot, who expertly controlled it before firing into the bottom corner, sending the home fans into raptures.
However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. Despite United's strong start, Lyon struck back in the 70th minute. A cross into the box found Corentin Tolisso, who headed home from close range, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Just six minutes later, Lyon equalized through Nicolás Tagliafico, who bundled the ball over the line after a chaotic scramble in the box, leveling the match at 2-2.
As the clock wound down, Tolisso received a second yellow card for a foul, leaving Lyon with ten men and giving United a glimmer of hope as they headed into extra time tied at 4-4 on aggregate. The match seemed to be swinging in United's favor, but Lyon stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the 105th minute. Rayan Cherki capitalized on a defensive lapse, firing a powerful shot past André Onana, making it 3-2 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate.
Just four minutes later, things got worse for United when Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty after being fouled in the box, pushing Lyon's lead to 4-2 on the night and seemingly sealing their place in the semi-finals. However, United refused to give up. In a dramatic turn of events, they were awarded a penalty of their own, and Bruno Fernandes stepped up to convert, narrowing the gap to 4-3.
With time running out, Kobbie Mainoo scored a stunning equalizer in the 120th minute, sending the match into a frenzy. Just moments later, Harry Maguire scored the winning goal, heading home from a corner, which sent Old Trafford into a state of euphoria. The final whistle blew, and the match ended 5-4 in favor of Manchester United, who advanced to the semi-finals with a 7-6 aggregate victory.
This match not only showcased the resilience and determination of Manchester United but also set a new record for the most goals scored in a single Europa League match, surpassing the previous record of eight goals.
Match statistics revealed that United had 41% possession compared to Lyon's 59%, with both teams registering 21 shots, but United had the edge with eight shots on target to Lyon's nine. The match was filled with excitement, drama, and a display of skill from both teams, making it a memorable night for fans and players alike.
United's path to the semi-finals will see them face Athletic Club, and they will hope to carry this momentum forward as they continue their quest for European glory. The dramatic comeback and thrilling finish have reignited hopes among the fans for a successful end to an otherwise challenging season.
