Old Trafford Delivers Another Classic as United Cling to Europa League Hope
By IDNN Sports Desk
Published April 18, 2025
In a pulsating night of football that defied belief, Manchester United staged one of their most dramatic comebacks in recent memory, overcoming a rollercoaster clash with Olympique Lyonnais to book a spot in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
The Red Devils triumphed 5-4 after extra time, in a game that swung wildly from dominance to disaster and back again, under the floodlights of Old Trafford. Having surrendered a comfortable two-goal lead and then fallen behind, United scored three times in the final seven minutes of extra time to turn despair into delirium.
United will now face Athletic Club of Bilbao in the semi-finals. Should they advance, they’ll return to the Basque city for the final on May 21.
First Half Fire, Second Half Madness
United came into the match knowing their European journey was their only realistic shot at silverware this season. They played like it early on.
After just 10 minutes, Manuel Ugarte opened the scoring with a composed finish following smart interplay between Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Moments later, Diogo Dalot doubled the advantage, finishing expertly after Fernandes’ effort had struck the bar.
Lyon, however, were far from done.
The Collapse, The Comeback
With momentum shifting after the introduction of 19-year-old winger Malick Fofana, Lyon struck back. Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico scored within eight minutes of each other to level the tie, punishing United’s defensive lapses.
Then came extra-time chaos.
Rayan Cherki blasted Lyon into the lead before Alexandre Lacazette added a fourth from the spot after Luke Shaw fouled the electric Fofana. Old Trafford fell silent.
United’s Final Stand
But as the scriptwriter of fate would have it, Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to spark hope, before Kobbie Mainoo struck a crisp equalizer to level the tie at 4-4. Then, in the dying seconds of extra time, Harry Maguire rose high to head home a Casemiro cross.
Old Trafford erupted. The noise was thunderous. The comeback, complete.
Post-Match Reflection
“It was emotional, almost unreal. We kept believing,” said United manager Rúben Amorim, visibly shaken but elated. “We’re not done yet.”
Goalkeeper Andre Onana, who had been criticised for his first-leg errors, celebrated Ugarte’s opener in front of the Lyon fans who booed him all game. “I had to show heart,” Onana said. “That’s what this club is built on.”
📌 Tactical Takeaways
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Fernandes was key, orchestrating play and assisting two goals.
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Onana redeemed himself, making critical saves despite Lyon’s goals.
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Fofana’s impact for Lyon was immense, exposing United’s back line repeatedly.
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Garnacho’s early miss nearly cost United, but the team rallied.
What’s Next?
Manchester United will face Athletic Club in the semi-finals. If successful, they’ll return to Bilbao for the final—one that could define this turbulent season.
The Class of 2025 might lack the polish of past United eras, but they’re three games away from lifting the Europa League trophy—and with it, a return to Champions League football.
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