Manchester United advanced to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals after defeating Olympique Lyon 5-4 on Thursday night
UEFA Europa League
Result: Manchester United 5-4 Olympique Lyon (7-6 on aggregate)
Date: 17 April 2025
Venue: Old Trafford
United coach Ruben Amorim named the same starting line-up from the first leg in Lyon seven days ago, although Joshua Zirkzee was not in the squad after picking up an injury over the weekend.
The hosts got off to the perfect start when Alejandro Garnacho collected a pass from Bruno Fernandes before pulling the ball back for Manuel Ugarte to tap home from close range.
Lyon came alive thereafter but had to wait until the 31st minute for an opening at goal as Rayan Cherki embarked on a fine run into the box before seeing his strike saved by Andre Onana.
However, United went on to double their lead on the stroke of halftime as Diogo Dalot latched onto a long-ball from Harry Maguire and out-muscled his opponent before firing in off the upright.
United carried that momentum into the second half but they were almost caught out eight minutes in when Corentin Tolisso turned well in the box and unleashed a powerful strike that forced Onana into a superb reflex save.
Lyon did manage to pull a goal back in the 70th minute as Tolisso sent a header past Onana after Alexandre Lacazette knocked the ball back into the six-yard area.
The comeback was complete eight minutes later when Ainsley Maitland-Niles's wayward shot found its way to Tagliafico at the far post, with the latter first-time strike creeping over the goal-line despite Onana's best efforts.
The goal ultimately sent the clash to extra-time, but Lyon were dealt a blow just before the end of regulation time when Tolisso was sent off after picking up his second yellow card of the encounter.
Despite being down to ten men, Lyon took the lead on 104 minutes when some good work by Malick Fofana on the counter ended with Cherki picking out the bottom corner with a lovely finish from the edge of the box.
Lyon grabbed a fourth goal in the 109th minute when Luke Shaw was deemed to have fouled Fofana in the box, which allowed Lacazette to step up and fire past Onana for the two-goal cushion.
However, United were awarded a penalty of their own four minutes later for a foul on Casemiro. Fernandes stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards to set up a big finish.
The Red Devils put on a superb late fight as Kobbie Mainoo showed great composure to slot home the equaliser on 120 minutes before Harry Maguire popped up with the winning goal a minute later by nodding home Casemiro's cross.
