Manchester United Stage Epic Comeback to Reach Europa League Semi-Finals with 5-4 Victory Over Lyon

Old Trafford witnessed one of the most unforgettable nights in its storied history as Manchester United pulled off a sensational 5-4 victory over Lyon in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg, securing a 7-6 aggregate triumph to advance to the semi-finals. The match, which featured five goals in extra time, was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in Harry Maguire’s dramatic 121st-minute header that sent the Theatre of Dreams into delirium.

With the tie level at 2-2 after a dramatic first leg in Lyon, Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, knew they needed a win at home to progress. The Reds started with intent, and Manuel Ugarte gave them the lead in the 10th minute, converting a low cross from Alejandro Garnacho to spark wild celebrations in the Stretford End. Diogo Dalot doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time with a well-taken finish, putting United in control at 2-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.

However, Lyon fought back in the second half. Corentin Tolisso pulled one back in the 71st minute, capitalizing on tentative defending, before Nicolás Tagliafico equalized on the night in the 77th minute, firing home from a tight angle past André Onana. The momentum swung further in Lyon’s favor when Tolisso received a second yellow card in the 89th minute, reducing Lyon to ten men. Despite the numerical advantage, United couldn’t find a winner in regulation time, and the match headed to extra time.

Extra time was nothing short of chaotic. Lyon struck first in the 104th minute through Rayan Cherki, who latched onto a loose ball after a jinking run by Malick Fofana. Five minutes later, Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty after Fofana was fouled in the box, giving Lyon a 4-2 lead on the night and a 6-4 aggregate advantage. With fans beginning to leave Old Trafford and hope fading, United mounted an extraordinary comeback. Bruno Fernandes halved the deficit with a penalty in the 114th minute, and substitute Kobbie Mainoo leveled the aggregate score at 6-6 with a brilliant finish in the 120th minute. With a penalty shootout looming, Amorim threw Maguire up front as an emergency striker, and the defender delivered, heading in Casemiro’s cross in the 121st minute to seal a 5-4 win and a 7-6 aggregate victory.

Harry Maguire, named Man of the Match, saw his last-gasp header become the defining moment, capping a heroic performance that included solid defending and leadership, with his 39% fan vote reflecting his impact. Rayan Cherki of Lyon scored and created havoc, but his team’s collapse overshadowed his brilliance. Corentin Tolisso scored but was sent off, encapsulating Lyon’s emotional rollercoaster, and his post-match comments highlighted the pain of conceding three late goals. André Onana, despite criticism for errors in the first leg, made crucial saves, earning praise from the club’s official account. The match made history as the first in major UEFA competitions to feature five goals in extra time, with United becoming the first team to score twice in the 120th minute.

Ruben Amorim hailed his team’s resilience, calling the comeback “a testament to the spirit of this club.” He added, “This is what Old Trafford is about—never giving up. We showed heart and quality to turn it around.” Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca was gracious in defeat, acknowledging United’s fight. “We played a great game, but football can be cruel. We wish United the best,” he said. Tolisso, reflecting on the loss, said, “It hurts to be winning 4-2 with ten minutes left and not even reach penalties. We have to move on.” Maguire, speaking to TNT Sport, described the winner as “an amazing feeling” but admitted, “We made really hard work of it.”