In a thrilling display of resilience, Manchester United staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Lyon 5-4 in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, April 17, 2025, securing a place in the semi-finals with a 7-6 aggregate score. Under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils showcased their fighting spirit, reminiscent of their iconic 1999 Champions League final victory against Bayern Munich.
Manchester United's journey in the Europa League has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing Premier League season, where they currently sit 14th and are on track to record their lowest-ever finish. However, the Europa League offers a glimmer of hope, with a potential trophy on the horizon that could secure Champions League football for next season.
The match at Old Trafford began with United taking control early on, thanks to goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot. Ugarte opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, setting the tone for a dominant first half. Dalot doubled the lead just before the break, leaving United fans optimistic as they headed into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Lyon's Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico struck back, leveling the match and forcing extra time. Despite being a man down after Tolisso received a red card late in regulation, Lyon managed to take the lead through Rayan Cherki, only for Alexandre Lacazette's penalty to seemingly seal their progression.
Yet, the drama was far from over. United's Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty in the 114th minute, reigniting hope for the home side. Kobbie Mainoo then leveled the score at 4-4 with a calm finish in the dying moments of extra time, setting the stage for an unforgettable climax.
Harry Maguire emerged as the hero, scoring a historic 121st-minute winner, marking the first 120th-minute winning goal in Europa League history. "The sounds of the stadium were the best ever," Amorim exclaimed after the match. "Some people collect shirts, scarves, but I want to keep that sound; it's the best sound in the world."
Maguire reflected on the rollercoaster of emotions during the match, stating, "To go down 4-2 in extra time to 10 men is not good enough; we opened ourselves too much. But we dug in and showed great spirit, and that's what this stadium does." He added, "As soon as we got the fourth, I felt there was going to be another chance, and thankfully, I put it in the back of the net; it was an amazing feeling."
Amorim had drawn inspiration from United's legendary 1999 comeback against Bayern Munich, watching the documentary before the match. "I was watching the 1999 [game], the commentary. To have some inspiration for this moment," he said. "It was a great night. I think the team was tired, and you feel it during the game. 4-2, even with one more player, you think it's over. But here, it's never over. I felt that here, everything is possible."
This thrilling match not only showcased United's determination but also highlighted the unique atmosphere of Old Trafford, which has witnessed countless memorable moments. The fans, who remained until the end, were treated to a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.
Looking ahead, Manchester United will face Athletic Club in the semi-finals, with the first leg set to take place in Spain on May 1, 2025, followed by the return leg at Old Trafford on May 8, 2025. As they prepare for this crucial tie, Amorim's side will aim to carry the momentum from this dramatic victory into the next round.
The victory over Lyon marked only the second time in United's history that they have won a match with a score of 5-4, the first being against Arsenal in February 1958. Additionally, this match was the first in major European football history to see five goals scored after extra time, further emphasizing the uniqueness of this encounter.
Fernandes' penalty goal also added to his impressive tally, bringing his total to 14 penalty goals in major European competitions. He now sits behind only Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi in the all-time rankings for penalties scored in Europe, showcasing his importance to the team in crucial moments.
As the Europa League campaign progresses, Manchester United's fans will be hoping that the team can harness this newfound confidence and continue to defy the odds. With a European trophy within reach, the Red Devils have the chance to turn a challenging season into a successful one.
In conclusion, the thrilling comeback against Lyon not only serves as a testament to the team's resilience but also rekindles hopes of a brighter future for Manchester United. As they gear up for the semi-finals, the spirit of 1999 lingers in the air, reminding everyone that in football, anything is possible.
