April 18, (THEWILL) – Manchester United qualified for the next round of the UEFA Europa League after a breathtaking 5-4 victory over Lyon at Old Trafford, resulting in a 7-6 aggregate win.
The dramatic quarter-final second leg featured rapid momentum shifts that left supporters astonished throughout the 90 minutes and extra time.
The match began favourably for United, who established a commanding 2-0 lead through first-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot.
However, Ruben Amorim’s squad, still reeling from their 4-1 weekend defeat to Newcastle United, saw their advantage disappear within six second-half minutes as Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso headed home from close range before Nicolas Tagliafico added a scrappy equaliser.
Despite Tolisso receiving a red card for a second bookable offence, United failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
Lyon stunned the home crowd when substitute Malick Fofana created an opportunity for Rayan Cherki, who fired past Andre Onana to give the visitors the lead.
Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette extended Lyon’s advantage to 4-2 from the penalty spot after Fofana was fouled by Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro.
United mounted an extraordinary response in the final minutes. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Casemiro before substitute Kobbie Mainoo curved a magnificent effort into the far corner to level the score.
The decisive moment arrived when Harry Maguire, positioned as an emergency striker, met Casemiro’s cross with a powerful header past Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri, sending Old Trafford into euphoria.
The remarkable turnaround maintains United’s hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification through the Europa League route.
Amorim’s team, following their disappointing English Premier League performance against Newcastle, will draw confidence from their attacking display despite defensive frailties that nearly cost them the tie.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
