Importance Score: 50 / 100 🔵
Manchester United Edge Out Lyon in Europa League Thriller
Manchester United, despite unveiling a “Never Gonna Stop” banner, appeared to falter against 10-man Lyon before dramatically securing victory in extra time. This electrifying Europa League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford will be remembered as a classic, ranking among the club’s most dramatic late European finishes.
Unforgettable Extra Time Drama
The period between the 114th and 120th (plus 34 seconds added time) minutes will forever be etched in the memories of those present. At this point, Manchester United found themselves trailing 4-2 after goals from Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty – scored in the 104th and 109th minutes respectively. Lyon held a commanding 6-4 aggregate lead, seemingly poised to eliminate Ruben Amorim’s side from the competition.
Penalty Drama Turns the Tide
However, the drama was far from over. Casemiro went down under a challenge from Nicolas Tagliafico. Initially, referee Sandro Schärer waved away appeals for a penalty, but upon VAR review, he reversed his decision and pointed to the spot. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, sending Lucas Perri the wrong way.
Mainoo’s Timely Intervention
Despite the penalty, United still needed another goal with just over a minute of added time played. Then, young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, playing in an advanced role, received the ball from Casemiro and skillfully navigated through a crowded penalty area to score, leveling the aggregate score at 6-6. Old Trafford erupted in jubilation, anticipating a penalty shootout.
Maguire Seals Last-Gasp Victory
But this is Manchester United, a club synonymous with dramatic late goals, reminiscent of “Fergie Time” and the iconic 1999 Champions League final triumph against Bayern Munich. Incredibly, Harry Maguire rose highest to head home the winner just 34 seconds into added time. Once again, Casemiro provided the assist, marking his third crucial contribution to the three pivotal goals. The stadium exploded in celebration as United snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
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Semi-Finals and Onana’s Redemption
Manchester United now advance to face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final first leg in Spain. After this remarkable turnaround, few would bet against them reaching the final, especially considering André Onana’s improved performance marking a night of personal redemption.
Onana’s Improved Performance
Following criticism for his display in the previous leg, Onana delivered a much more assured performance. United largely controlled significant portions of the match, taking the lead after just ten minutes. Noussair Mazraoui passed to Fernandes on the right flank, who then found Alejandro Garnacho. Garnacho’s precise pass to Manuel Ugarte was matched by the No. 25’s clinical left-footed finish, sending the home crowd into raptures.
United Dominance and Missed Chances
United started brightly, dominating possession and pinning Lyon back. However, they failed to extend their lead, allowing the French side to regain composure and threaten. Cherki saw a shot deflect off Maguire for a corner, and Georges Mikautadze threatened before Maguire cleared. Lyon then missed a clear opportunity to equalize when Ainsley Maitland-Niles miscued a shot after a Leny Yoro miskick from a Tagliafico cross.
Fernandes and Højlund Threaten
United responded with a thrilling attack. Diogo Dalot delivered a long, looping pass to Fernandes, who unleashed a powerful volley that crashed off the crossbar, with the crowd reacting in awe. Shortly after, Rasmus Højlund set up Fernandes again, but this time the Portuguese midfielder’s effort went wide.
Dalot Extends the Lead
United pressed relentlessly towards half-time, scoring their second goal just before the break. In a move of direct, yet high-quality football, Maguire played a 70-yard pass to Dalot. The wing-back controlled the ball, shrugged off Tagliafico, and coolly slotted a shot past Perri, off the right post.
Garnacho Denied, Onana Saves
At half-time, Luke Shaw replaced Mazraoui, who appeared to be injured. Garnacho continued to be a threat, winning a free-kick. He then displayed remarkable composure to latch onto a defence-splitting pass from Højlund. After outmaneuvering his defender, Garnacho shot powerfully towards goal, only to be denied by an acrobatic save from Perri. Onana then made a crucial save to prevent Corentin Tolisso from reducing the deficit to 2-1. Lyon’s potential comeback loomed large.
Lyon’s Fightback and Tolisso Dismissal
Mikautadze squandered a chance to score, shooting wide, while Dalot continued to trouble Tagliafico at the other end. Chants of “Ruben Amorim, he’ll bring the glory days again” echoed from the Stretford End as Lyon fans ignited flares, highlighting the tension. Lyon launched their comeback: Tolisso headed in after headers from Moussa Niakhaté and Lacazette. United’s defense faltered again as Maitland-Niles’ powerful shot was blocked by Onana’s leg, but Tagliafico then equalized, capitalizing on the defensive disarray. In the 89th minute, Tolisso received a red card, setting the stage for the dramatic finale that ensued.