Manchester United pulled off a stunning comeback on Thursday night, defeating Lyon 5-4 on aggregate (7-6) in a thrilling Europa League quarterfinal second leg at Old Trafford. After a nerve-wracking first leg that ended in a 2-2 draw in France, the Red Devils needed a win to keep their European dreams alive, and they delivered in dramatic fashion.
The match kicked off at 12:30 am IST on Friday, April 18, 2025, with United looking to capitalize on home advantage. Early on, they made their intentions clear as Manuel Ugarte opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing off a brilliant team move that showcased Alejandro Garnacho’s skill and Bruno Fernandes’ precise passing. Ugarte's goal marked his second of the campaign and set the tone for a night filled with excitement.
As the first half progressed, United continued to press, and just before the break, Diogo Dalot doubled their lead. The Portuguese defender struck a powerful shot after receiving an excellent pass from Harry Maguire, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. With Dalot's goal, he continued his remarkable run in the Europa League, having scored all three of his goals this season in the competition.
However, the second half saw Lyon respond with urgency. Corentin Tolisso gave the French side a lifeline in the 62nd minute, heading home to reduce the deficit. Just six minutes later, Nicolas Tagliafico leveled the match, sending shockwaves through Old Trafford as the visitors rallied to seize momentum.
Things took a turn for the worse for Lyon when Tolisso was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for tripping Leny Yoro, leaving them with ten men. Despite the setback, Lyon managed to take the lead in extra time when Rayan Cherki thundered home a stunning effort, putting them ahead in the tie.
With Lyon seemingly in control, Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty after Malick Fofana was fouled by Luke Shaw, which appeared to seal United's fate. However, the Red Devils were not done yet. Bruno Fernandes scored a crucial penalty with just minutes left on the clock, injecting new life into the home side.
As the tension reached its peak, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire struck late goals to complete an astonishing turnaround, sending Old Trafford into absolute pandemonium. The victory not only secured United’s place in the semi-finals but also reignited hope for their struggling season.
Head coach Ruben Amorim praised his team's resilience after the match, stating, "This was a historic night for us. The character shown by the players was incredible. We never gave up, and that’s what Manchester United is all about."
Goalkeeper Andre Onana, who faced criticism leading up to the match, redeemed himself with crucial saves, including a brilliant stop against Cherki earlier in the game. "I needed to prove myself tonight, and I’m glad I could help the team," Onana said after the match.
As for Lyon, coach Paulo Fonseca was left to ponder what could have been. "We had the game in our hands at times, but we made mistakes that cost us dearly. We need to learn from this experience and come back stronger next season," he reflected.
With this victory, Manchester United will now face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, looking to continue their quest for European glory. The match showcased the thrilling unpredictability of knockout football, reminding fans why they love the beautiful game.
As the dust settles on this unforgettable encounter, the question remains: can United maintain this momentum as they push for silverware in the closing stages of the season? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—Old Trafford witnessed a night that will be remembered for years to come.
