Manchester United Stages Stunning Comeback to Secure Europa League Semifinal Spot

 

Manchester United players celebrate Harry Maguire's winning goal against Lyon.

Manchester United Pulls Off Epic Comeback to Reach Europa League Semifinals

With just moments left in extra time, Manchester United’s Europa League journey looked all but over. Facing elimination at the hands of Lyon and on the verge of yet another disappointment in a turbulent season, United turned despair into euphoria in a dramatic finish that will go down in club history.

Trailing on aggregate and seemingly out of ideas, United staged an astonishing comeback, scoring three goals in the final six minutes of extra time to snatch a 7-6 aggregate victory and secure a place in the semifinals against Athletic Bilbao.

“It was going to take more than a miracle to come back,” said former United defender and TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand. “Now, I’m actually a believer – that was outrageous.”

The first leg in Lyon ended 2-2, and United looked poised to take control early in the return fixture at Old Trafford. First-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot gave them a solid advantage, while Bruno Fernandes nearly added a third with a stunning volley that rattled the crossbar.

But things unraveled quickly. Corentin Tolisso’s header cut the deficit with 20 minutes left, followed by a Nicolás Tagliafico goal that leveled the aggregate score. Though Lyon went down to 10 men after Tolisso received a second yellow card, the French side continued to press.

Rayan Cherki’s curling effort gave Lyon a 3-2 lead on the night in the 104th minute, and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty early in the second period of extra time extended their lead to 4-2, putting United on the brink.

What followed was nothing short of a miracle.

Kobbie Mainoo score's United's fourth goal against Lyon.

Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to reduce the deficit, and Kobbie Mainoo’s composed finish in the 120th minute sent Old Trafford into raptures. Just when it seemed the game would go to penalties, Harry Maguire – pushed forward in a desperate tactical switch – rose to head home the winner in stoppage time, completing an implausible 4-3 comeback on the night.

According to Opta, United became the first team ever to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match, and this clash marked the first time five goals were scored in extra time.

“For moments like this, all the hardship of the season is worth it,” said manager Ruben Amorim, visibly emotional after the match.

Defender Leny Yoro echoed the disbelief, telling TNT Sports, “I can’t even understand what happened. We gave it everything. That was just crazy.”

United will travel to northern Spain for the first leg of their semifinal against Athletic Bilbao on May 1. In the other semifinal, Tottenham will host Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt, who continue to surprise in this season’s competition.