In one of the most dramatic European nights in recent memory, Manchester United clawed their way into the Europa League semi-finals after an unbelievable 5-4 extra-time victory over Lyon at Old Trafford. The match, which swung wildly in momentum, saw late heroics, red cards, and a record-breaking winner deep into stoppage time.
United started strong, with Manuel Ugarte (10′) and Diogo Dalot (45′) giving them a comfortable 2-0 halftime lead. However, Lyon roared back in the second half through Corentin Tolisso (71′) and Nicolás Tagliafico (77′) to level the tie 4-4 on aggregate.
When Tolisso was sent off for a second yellow in extra time, United seemed destined to capitalize. Instead, Lyon stunned the home crowd as Rayan Cherki (104′) and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty (109′) put the French side ahead 4-2 on the night.
But Amorim’s men refused to surrender. Bruno Fernandes (114′) and Kobbie Mainoo (120′) dragged United level before Harry Maguire, scoring his first European goal for the club, headed in a historic 121st-minute winner, sending Old Trafford into delirium.
Maguire’s winner was the latest match-winning goal (120+1′) in Europa League history and the first past the 120th minute in a major European game since Atletico Madrid’s 2020 win over Liverpool.
United will face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals after the Spanish side eliminated Rangers. Under manager Robin Amorim, the Red Devils have now won six of their eight Europa League matches, matching their Premier League win tally under him in far fewer games.
For Lyon, Cherki’s 46 chances created this season rank among the competition’s best, but their European dream ends in heartbreaking fashion. Meanwhile, United’s never-say-die spirit keeps their trophy hopes alive in a season that just keeps delivering drama.
“Football, bloody hell!”, Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous words rang true once again at the Theatre of Dreams.
Manchester United Stun Lyon in Historic 5-4 Extra-Time Thriller to Reach Europa League Semis
