“Manchester United Complete Thrilling Comeback to Defeat Lyon in Europa League Quarter-Final

Manchester United Stage Sensational Comeback to Edge Lyon in Europa League Quarter-Final Thriller

By Michael Ontre,

Old Trafford, April 17, 2025

On a night that Manchester United fans will surely remember for years to come, the Red Devils achieved one of the most astonishing comebacks in European football history, reversing Olympique Lyonnais to win 5-4 after extra time and win 7-6 on aggregate in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.

The second leg at Old Trafford had everything possible – goals, cards, controversies, and excitement – when Ruben Amorim’s side fought back from the edge of elimination to secure a miraculous victory in front of a passionate home crowd.

First Leg Set the Stage

The first leg in Lyon ended 2-2, a tense and open affair that poised the tie. United’s away goals came via Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, while Lyon’s equalizers were from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolás Tagliafico, setting up a tense second leg in Manchester.

The Second Leg: Chaos and Courage

United came out strong and created a couple of chances early on for Rasmus Højlund and Bruno Fernandes, but Lyon rode out the storm and stunned Old Trafford when they took the lead just before half-time with a goal from Rayan Cherki.

Diogo Dalot equalized for United shortly after the break, but Lyon responded right away with a penalty goal from Alexandre Lacazette after a Raphael Varane handball was reviewed by VAR.

When Cherki scored a second early in the extra time to make it 4-2, Lyon looked certain to progress despite being down to 10 men after a second bookable offense for Tolisso.

The Comeback Begins

United were down, but not out.

Bruno Fernandes went to the spot and calmly converted a penalty for 4-3, and there was a glimmer of hope in Old Trafford. Then came a moment of magic when Kobbie Mainoo curled in a shot into the top corner in the 120th minute, sparking chaos in the stands.

Then, just as pens were looming, Harry Maguire – an often-criticised figure – met a header from a corner with a ferocious header to wrap up the 5-4 win, and cap one of the greatest comebacks in the club’s European history.

Key Players Shine

Although Mainoo and Maguire will rightly take the headlines, Casemiro was the engine in midfield. Much of United’s second-half fightback was orchestrated by him with collected distribution in midfield and vital interceptions to remind everyone of his Champions League quality.

What’s Next?

The victory puts Manchester United in the Europa League semi-finals, where they will be pitted against Spain’s Athletic Club Bilbao. While a Champions League place is still within reach in the league, this European opportunity, if seized, could be critical.

After the match, Ten Hag remarked on his side’s belief and called the performance “a win from spirit and togetherness.”

If the quarter-final is a sighter, then United’s journey in Europe is far from over, and will have plenty more twists and turns along the way.

Final Score:

Manchester United 5 – 4 Lyon (7-6 on aggregate)
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Next Opponent: Athletic Club (Europa League Semi-Finals)