Manchester United complete crazed comeback against Lyon

In a classic Thursday night European tie, Manchester United completed a seemingly impossible comeback in extra time to salvage their hopes of silverware in 2025.

Before kickoff, the match already had immense implications for the Red Devils, who currently sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table. It was a season-defining game, with both the players and the fans understanding that a loss would leave the club with nothing to play for until next year. For United’s manager Ruben Amorim, a strong Europa League showing could promise increased financial backing from the board in the summer. With a poor result, his unstable tenure would fall under further scrutiny.

With United seemingly home and dry, Lyon got a goal back with 20 minutes to go

The first massive moment of the game came in the 10th minute, when defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte got on the end of Alejandro Garnacho’s pull-back for a rare goal. It was an excellent team manoeuvre which revealed the individual talent often hidden within this Manchester United side.

Just before half-time, United doubled their lead. Harry Maguire’s long ball found Dalot in the penalty area, and despite a tight angle, the full-back put the ball into the net for his third Europa League goal this season.

With United seemingly home and dry, Lyon got a goal back with 20 minutes to go through Corentin Tolisso to raise the tension inside Old Trafford. Just six minutes later, the lead had evaporated. Nicolás Tagliafico turned the ball into Andre Onana’s net after yet another mistake from the goalkeeper in the tie. The two goals sucked the life out of the crowd, yet despite this setback, United still had cause for optimism going into extra time. Tolisso’s second yellow card for a clumsy trip on Leny Yoro seemed to tip the balance between the two inseparable opponents on the day.

Even with a man less, the visitors found a way to take an unlikely lead in the first half of extra time. Rayan Cherki, who scored a late equaliser a week prior in the first leg, rifled a shot from the edge of the box into Onana’s bottom corner to complete Lyon’s comeback.

The game went from bad to worse for Manchester United. Substitute Malick Fofana went over in the penalty area after a clumsy tackle by Luke Shaw. Alexandre Lacazette’s resulting clinical penalty seemed to put Lyon on the brink of a semi-final showdown with Athletic Bilbao.

Moments later, down the other end, Casemiro’s tumble in the box as a result of contact with Thiago Almada gave United a penalty after a lengthy VAR check. Bruno Fernandes had to score, and did, bringing the hosts back into the game with plenty of time to spare.

Just as the game entered the five minutes of additional time at the end of extra time, Casemiro’s flick found Kobbie Mainoo in the box. The midfielder, playing higher up the pitch due to United’s shortage of forwards, showed composure, finding the far corner to level the tie.

Ruben Amorim and his players will look forward to a semi-final against Athletic Bilbao

Without giving many in Old Trafford a second to breathe, Manchester United stirred the home fans into delirium. Harry Maguire, also playing further up the pitch than in his normal role as a centre-back, headed in Casemiro’s cross to send United into the semi-finals against all the odds.

A Premier League hangover defeat against Wolves reveals just how much the game has taken out of the Red Devils. When they eventually recover from their celebrations, Ruben Amorim and his players will look forward to a semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, who have the chance to play a European final in their home stadium.

In the other semi-final, Spurs will face Bodo/Glimt, who became the first side from Norway to reach a European semi-final after knocking out Lazio on penalties.