Manchester United Pull Off Epic Extra-Time Comeback to Reach Europa League Semi-Finals

Manchester United produced one of the most astonishing European comebacks in recent memory, defeating Lyon 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate to book their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. In a game that swung wildly from one extreme to another, United showed incredible spirit, resilience, and sheer will to win as they clawed back from deficits not once, but twice in an unforgettable night at Old Trafford.

The match began with United holding a slender 3-2 advantage from the first leg. They made their intentions clear early on, opening the scoring in the 10th minute when Garnacho’s clever cutback found Ugarte, who finished confidently to give the hosts a 1-0 lead on the night. As the first half wore on, United continued to push forward with intent. Fernandes rattled the crossbar with a brilliant volley, Casemiro tested the keeper, and the hosts looked dominant. Their second goal came just before halftime, as Maguire’s accurate long pass found Dalot bursting into the box. The Portuguese full-back shrugged off his marker and slotted home a low strike to put United 2-0 up at the break and 4-2 ahead on aggregate.

Lyon, however, refused to go quietly. In the 71st minute, Tolisso pounced on a loose ball in the box to pull one back, and just seven minutes later, Tagliafico bundled home after a chaotic sequence to level the aggregate score at 4-4. Despite being reduced to ten men after Tolisso was shown a second yellow in the dying minutes of regular time, Lyon had the momentum, forcing the game into extra time.

The drama reached new heights in extra time. Cherki fired Lyon ahead just before the interval, cutting inside and finishing coolly into the bottom corner to make it 3-2 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate. The visitors weren’t done. Lacazette converted a penalty minutes later after Fofana was brought down in the box, putting Lyon 4-2 up on the night and 6-4 ahead on aggregate. At that point, United looked beaten, their dream of European glory slipping away.

But football at Old Trafford has never been short of magic, and it was Casemiro who sparked a miraculous turnaround. The Brazilian won a penalty after being fouled by Almada, and Fernandes stepped up to calmly convert, bringing United back to within a goal on aggregate. Just minutes later, Casemiro was involved again, laying off the ball for Mainoo who curled in a brilliant finish to level the tie once again at 6-6.

Incredibly, the final twist was still to come. Deep into stoppage time of extra time, Casemiro whipped in a hopeful cross and Maguire, the unlikely hero, rose to meet it with a towering header that flew past Perri and sent the Stretford End into absolute delirium. United had done the impossible—overturning a two-goal deficit in extra time to win 5-4 and progress 7-6 on aggregate.

It was a game that defied logic, packed with nine goals, two red cards, multiple penalties, and endless drama. Despite Lyon putting in a valiant and at times brilliant performance, they were ultimately undone by United’s unrelenting fight. The Red Devils’ expected goals (xG) total of 3.20 to Lyon’s 2.44 only hinted at the rollercoaster that had unfolded.

With this result, Manchester United march into the Europa League semi-finals, propelled by belief, bravery, and a team performance for the ages. It was a night that Old Trafford won’t soon forget.