Manchester United pull off historic comeback to edge Lyon in Europa League thriller

Manchester United staged one of their most dramatic European comebacks on Thursday night, overturning a 4-2 deficit in extra time to defeat Lyon 5-4 and secure a 7-6 aggregate win in their Europa League quarter-final clash.

What seemed like the end of United’s troubled season quickly turned into an unforgettable night at Old Trafford. Despite Lyon going two goals ahead late in the game, and playing with 10 men after captain Corentin Tolisso was sent off in the 89th minute, United roared back in the dying moments with goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire to snatch victory and book a semi-final spot against Athletic Bilbao.

The Red Devils, who currently sit 14th in the Premier League, were staring at the possibility of missing out on European football next season. But this win has not only kept their Europa League hopes alive, it has also offered them a potential route back into the Champions League.

First-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot gave United early control of the tie. Ugarte opened the scoring after a well-worked team move involving Fernandes and Garnacho. Dalot doubled the lead with a calm finish off the inside of the post, following a long ball from Maguire.

However, United’s defensive weaknesses were soon exposed. Lyon turned the game on its head with two quick goals from Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico. Tolisso later received his marching orders, but it didn’t stop Lyon’s momentum in extra time.

Rayan Cherki smashed home a powerful drive, and Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty after Malick Fofana was fouled in the box, pushing Lyon to a 4-2 lead on the night and 6-4 on aggregate.

Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Fernandes converted a penalty to reduce the deficit. Mainoo then equalised with a composed finish in the 120th minute before Maguire’s towering header at the back post sealed the stunning comeback just a minute later.

The decision to restore Andre Onana in goal, after being dropped following errors in the first leg and a 4-1 loss to Newcastle, proved crucial. The Cameroonian goalkeeper made key saves to deny Paul Akouokou and Cherki earlier in the game.

United’s performance in the first half showed glimpses of the attacking spark they’ve lacked all season, but it was their resilience and late surge that defined the night.

As Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca watched from the touchline—freed from his ongoing Ligue 1 ban—his side came agonisingly close to a famous win. Yet, in true United fashion, the hosts pulled off one of the most memorable turnarounds in recent Europa League history, leaving Lyon stunned and Old Trafford roaring.