Manchester United makes iconic victory over Lyon in Europa League

After a nervy 2-2 draw in the first leg against Olympique Lyon, Manchester United secured an incredible victory over their opponents in an unpredictable second leg that saw both sides throw everything they could muster into earning progression to the next round. In the second leg Quarter-final tie between United and Lyon, a total of nine goals were scored at Old Trafford. Goals from Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes and many more set the stage for an iconic battle between the two sides.
United opened the scoring through Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan was perfectly set up teammate Alejandro Garnacho, whose inch-perfect pass into the penalty box made way for opener. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes then came close to finding the net, although the Brazilain’s shot was pushed aside through a commendable effort from Lyon keeper Lucas Perri. Fernandes’ acrobatic volley ricocheted off the crossbar and went out of bounds. United ended the first half 2-0 up, thanks to an injury-time finish from fullback Diogo Dalot.
Andre Onana redeemed himself for the errors in the first leg with a marvellous save in the opening minutes of the second half to deny Corentin Tolisso on the half-volley. The Frenchman however, found the net in the 70th minute from a header, paving the way for a Lyon comeback.

Manchester United vs Lyon highlights (17th April 2025) #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ddzSlwtyn1
— UtdJoshua (@UtdJoshua03) April 17, 2025
With a foot in the door, Lyon clawed their way back into the tie. Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico’s attempt on goal six  minutes later crossed the goal line before Onana managed to get his hands to it, there completing the comeback. Tolisso however, was sent off in the 89th minute for a second yellow, reducing his side to ten men. With the score 4-4 on aggregte, the game headed into extra-time.
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From being level on goals with Lyon (4-4 on aggregate), things quickly went wrong for United when Lyon pulled ahead with two goals in five minutes. Rayan Cherki ‘s thunderous strike from the edge of the penalty area and Alexandre Lacazette’s driven penalty to the bottom left corner had Lyon fans dreaming of a penalty shootout, and possibly, a spot in the semi-final.
However, it was not to be, as United turned the tide in the 120th minute. From staring elimination in the face to halving the deficit through captain Bruno Fernandes, United showed courage in the final minutes of the game. The winning moment came in the 120th and 121st minutes, as United scored two quickfire goals through Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire to win the tie. United will face Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the semifinal of the Europa League, scheduled for the 1st and 8th of May.