Manchester United Secures Semi-Final Place With Three Extra-Time Goals Against Lyon

‎Manchester United found a ray of hope in their incredible Europa League campaign as they battled their way to the semi-finals in a match that will be remembered for years to come.

‎A dramatic clash against Olympique Lyonnais saw United surrender a two-goal lead at Old Trafford, only to recover from a 4-2 deficit in extra time to claim a sensational 5-4 victory.

‎Bright Start

‎From the kickoff, it was clear that United understood the significance of this game, especially as their entire season hinged on a successful run in the Europa League.

‎Within just 10 minutes, they made a statement when Bruno Fernandes deftly orchestrated the opening goal. He received a perfectly timed through ball from Noussair Mazraoui and, with remarkable vision, found Alejandro Garnacho, who laid it off for Manuel Ugarte.

‎The midfielder made no mistake, sweeping the ball home to give the hosts an early lead.

‎The intensity of United’s high press was palpable as they pushed for a second goal, and it almost arrived moments later. Garnacho intercepted the ball and set up Casemiro, but Lyon’s goalkeeper Lucas Perri was equal to the task, tipping the Brazilian’s powerful effort around the post.

‎United continued to dominate possession, and Lyon struggled to break through the fortified United defense.

‎Lyon’s first attempt came midway through the first half when Paul Akouokou’s header was excellently saved by the returning André Onana, who was making his first appearance since recovering from injury.

‎As the half progressed, Rayan Cherki began to find his rhythm, weaving through the United rearguard. Just when United seemed to be asserting their dominance, Onana once again sprang into action, denying Cherki’s goal-bound effort.

‎As the half approached its climax, Fernandes played an audacious volley after a pinpoint cross from Diogo Dalot. The shot rattled the crossbar and bounced away, a reminder of United’s growing threat.

‎With their momentum building, the Red Devils doubled their lead before the whistle blew. Dalot controlled a cross-field pass from Harry Maguire before curling a precise shot into the far corner, solidifying United’s 2-0 advantage going into halftime.

‎The Turning Point

‎As the second half unfolded, United was poised to deliver the knockout blow. Just five minutes after the restart, Garnacho found himself through on goal but hesitated, ultimately directing his shot straight at Perri.

‎A lifeline emerged for the visitors when United failed to properly clear a corner. Alexandre Lacazette’s header was flicked on to Corentin Tolisso, who expertly nodded the ball home to pull one back.

‎The shift in momentum was dramatic, and Lyon capitalized on it just six minutes later. A mishit cross from Ainsley Maitland-Niles was bundled over the line by Nicolás Tagliafico, leveling the score at 2-2 and sending shockwaves through Old Trafford.

‎Dramatic Finish to Regular Time

As the clock ticked down, the drama intensified. In the 89th minute, Tolisso received his second yellow card for a foul on Leny Yoro, leaving Lyon down to ten men.

‎However, even in a disadvantageous position, Lyon struck again in extra time. Cherki capitalized on a loose ball at the edge of the box, firing a powerful shot that beat Onana to give Lyon a surprising 3-2 lead.

‎With the Red Devils reeling, their situation grew dire when Lacazette converted a penalty after Luke Shaw was deemed guilty of a foul on Malick Fofana.

‎Suddenly up 4-2, it seemed Lyon had sealed the victory, but United refused to back down. A pivotal moment came when Casemiro was brought down in the box; Fernandes confidently stepped up to convert the penalty, igniting hopes of a comeback.

‎Stunning Conclusion

‎In the 120th minute, young Kobbie Mainoo displayed incredible poise in the box, skillfully cutting inside before placing a composed finish into the far corner. Just a minute later, Manchester United’s captain, Harry Maguire, made a crucial impact, heading home from close range to send the ecstatic Old Trafford crowd into a frenzy.

‎With a remarkable turnaround, United emerged victorious with a stunning 5-4 scoreline, solidifying their place in the semi-finals where they will meet Athletic Club.