UEL: Manchester United Stun Lyon with Dramatic Win

Manchester United edges Lyon 5-4 in a thrilling Europa League match, with three extra-time goals securing their spot in the semi-finals.

Manchester United's Europa League campaign just got a whole lot brighter. In an electrifying match, they edged out Olympique Lyonnais 5-4, with three extra-time goals securing their spot in the semi-finals with a 7-6 aggregate victory. This win is a lifeline for United's season, which has been largely underwhelming in the Premier League.

The Nail-Biting Match

The Red Devils got off to a flying start, with Manuel Ugarte scoring his second goal since joining from Paris Saint-Germain. A beautifully crafted team goal saw Bruno Fernandes release Alejandro Garnacho, whose pinpoint pass found Ugarte. Lyon eventually found their footing, with Paul Akouokou's header being brilliantly saved by returning goalkeeper Andre Onana. Before halftime, Diogo Dalot doubled United's lead with a stunning shot off the inside of the post.

The Dramatic Turnaround

However, Lyon staged a remarkable comeback, with Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico scoring within seven minutes to level the match. Despite Tolisso's subsequent red card, Lyon still managed to take a 4-2 lead through Rayan Cherki's brilliant strike and Alexandre Lacazette's penalty. But United's history of dramatic late fightbacks kicked in, with Bruno Fernandes converting a penalty and Kobbie Mainoo scoring to level the match again.

The Winning Moment

In the final moments of extra time, Harry Maguire headed in the winner, securing United's spot in the semi-finals. This win sets up a meeting with Athletic Bilbao in the next round. United's Europa League journey is far from over, and this thrilling victory has given them new life.

Rayan Cherki was becoming increasingly influential, gliding past United's defense before firing on goal, only to be denied by Andre Onana's diving save to his right. Bruno Fernandes then had a spectacular opportunity with an audacious volley that hit the crossbar after being picked out by Diogo Dalot.

Undeterred, United maintained their momentum and ended the half on a high note, doubling their lead. Diogo Dalot controlled Harry Maguire's crossfield pass before firing into the far corner, giving United a 2-0 advantage.

After the break, United continued where they left off and should have sealed the win within five minutes. Alejandro Garnacho broke through on goal but dawdled on the ball, allowing goalkeeper Lucas Perri to make the save.

Lyon's fortunes shifted dramatically in the second half when they scored after United failed to clear a set-piece, with Alexandre Lacazette heading the ball to Corentin Tolisso, who nodded it home. Momentum swung further in Lyon's favor just six minutes later as Nicolas Tagliafico bundled Ainsley Maitland-Niles' mishit cross over the line, leveling the score.

WHAT A GAME. #UEL pic.twitter.com/F0GlHggkjh

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 17, 2025

The game took another dramatic turn when Corentin Tolisso received a second yellow card for tripping Leny Yoro in the 89th minute. Despite being a man down, Lyon continued to push, and Rayan Cherki scored after pouncing on a loose ball on the edge of the box. United struggled to respond, and Lyon sealed their apparent victory when Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty after Luke Shaw fouled Malick Fofana.

However, United refused to give up. Casemiro was fouled in the box, and Bruno Fernandes scored the resulting penalty, setting up a thrilling finish and giving United a lifeline to force extra time.

The drama unfolded in the 120th minute when Kobbie Mainoo showcased his composure inside the box, cutting inside and scoring into the far corner. Just a minute later, Harry Maguire, his makeshift strike partner, made a remarkable appearance, heading the ball home and sending Old Trafford into euphoria.

This thrilling conclusion to an electrifying match sent Manchester United through to the semi-finals, setting up a matchup against Athletic Club.

Given the teams' history, the upcoming match promises to be intense. In their last encounter, Athletic Club and Manchester United drew 1-1 in a friendly match on August 6, 2023. Manchester United's performance has been inconsistent, with three wins, two draws, and three losses in eight matches, while Athletic Club has struggled to find form, winning none and drawing one in their last three encounters.