Manchester United came back from 4-2 down to beat Lyon 5-4 after extra time on Thursday. The Red Devils booked their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a 7-6 aggregate win.
Manchester United pulled off a stunning comeback against Lyon in a dramatic European clash at Old Trafford. The hosts scored three times in the final 10 minutes of extra time to win a classic encounter.
Early Control From Manchester United
United dominated the early exchanges. They started fast and penned Lyon back in their half. It only took 10 minutes for the hosts to strike.
Alejandro Garnacho, bursting into the area, found Manuel Ugarte with a precise pass. The midfielder finished neatly with his left foot, sending Old Trafford into celebration. The move began with Noussair Mazraoui and Bruno Fernandes combining smartly on the right.
United kept the pressure on. Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo controlled the midfield and stifled Lyon’s creativity. Diogo Dalot launched a long ball into Fernandes, who volleyed against the bar in a near-spectacular moment. Rasmus Højlund also teed up Fernandes later, but the captain’s shot curled just wide.
Dalot Doubles the Lead Before Half-Time
As the first half drew to a close, United scored a second. It came from a route-one move, but it was executed in style. Maguire launched a long pass from deep, and Dalot outmuscled Nicolás Tagliafico before slotting past Lucas Perri.
United’s 2-0 half-time lead was deserved. Garnacho continued to look dangerous, winning a free-kick early in the second half. Soon after, he raced onto a Højlund pass, beat his man with ease and fired on goal. Only Perri’s acrobatic save denied a third.
Despite United’s dominance, Lyon began to grow into the game. Corentin Tolisso went close, only to be denied by a sharp André Onana save. Mikautadze also missed a golden chance, slashing wide when well placed. Still, United continued to look threatening, with Dalot again beating Tagliafico to deliver a dangerous cross.
Lyon Fight Back Against the Odds
As the second half progressed, Lyon found new life. Tolisso headed home from close range after Moussa Niakhaté and Alexandre Lacazette combined. The equaliser on the night came via Tagliafico, capitalising on poor defending after Onana had denied Maitland-Niles.
Lyon then went in front in extra time. Rayan Cherki cut inside and scored a brilliant goal on 104 minute. Five minutes later, Lyon won a penalty. Lacazette converted, putting Lyon 6-4 ahead on aggregate. At that point, it seemed like the tie was done and dusted.
But then came the turning point. Casemiro was pulled down in the box by Tagliafico. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty. Fernandes stepped up and calmly slotted it past Perri to bring hope back to United.
Extra-Time Drama and United’s Glorious Finish
As stoppage time in extra time began, United still needed another goal to force penalties. Then came Mainoo’s moment of brilliance. The young midfielder latched onto a Casemiro pass and finished through a crowded area to make it 6-6 on aggregate.
Old Trafford erupted. But United were not done yet. Just 34 seconds later, Casemiro crossed for Maguire, who powered a header into the net. United led 7-6 on aggregate and completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in their European history.
This was vintage Manchester United. Fans were reminded of the famous 1999 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich. The team showed grit, belief and attacking flair in the dying moments.
Onana’s Redemption and Amorim’s Revival
Much had been said about Onana’s form, but he delivered under pressure. He made key saves and kept United alive during Lyon’s best spell. This performance was a redemptive one for the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
Head coach Ruben Amorim also earned praise. His side played with energy and resilience. The Stretford End serenaded him with chants of “Ruben Amorim, he’ll bring the glory days again.” That belief may now feel justified after a night like this.
Even Lyon’s red flares could not intimidate the hosts. Nor could Tolisso’s late aggression, which saw him sent off in the 89th minute. That dismissal set the stage for United’s final push.
United March On To Spain
Now, Manchester United (3.90) head to Spain for a semi-final against Athletic Bilbao (1.94). The first leg will be played at Estadio de San Mamés on 1 May and the second at Old Trafford a week later. After this incredible win, few would bet against them reaching the final. With the showpiece set to take place at the same venue, the dream lives on.
In the other semi-final, Tottenham Hotspur will face the tournament’s surprise package, Bodo/Glimt.
United’s comeback has become an instant classic. It will be remembered alongside their greatest European nights. For fans and online sports betting enthusiasts alike, this was a thrilling, unpredictable rollercoaster of a match.
