NewKerala.com Logo

Man Utd win in extra-time thriller to seal Europa Cup SF spot

IANS April 18, 2025 298 views

Manchester United produced a stunning Europa League quarterfinal victory against Lyon in an extraordinary extra-time thriller. The match was a roller-coaster of emotions, with United initially leading, then Lyon fighting back to take the lead despite being reduced to ten men. Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire emerged as unlikely heroes, scoring crucial late goals to secure a 5-4 win. The dramatic victory means United will now face Athletic Club in the semifinals, showcasing their never-say-die spirit.

"An incredible winner to seal a thrilling win for United" - Match Report"
Manchester, April 18: Manchester United booked their place in the semifinal of the Europa League, edging out Lyon 7-6 on aggregate in the quarterfinals.

Key Points

1

Dramatic extra-time victory with 10-man Lyon battling hard

2

Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire score crucial late goals

3

United advance 7-6 on aggregate

4

Memorable quarterfinal European comeback

Ten-man Lyon came from behind to lead 3-2; but late goals in extra time from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire sealed a memorable 5-4 victory (7-6 on aggregate) for the hosts, who will face Athletic Club in the semifinals.

Man United started on the front foot and took the lead after ten minutes, when Alejandro Garnacho cut back to Manuel Ugarte inside the Lyon box and the Uruguayan midfielder sent a shot flying past visiting goalkeeper Lucas Perri.

United almost doubled their lead on 36 minutes, the crossbar denying what would have been a spectacular volleyed goal from Bruno Fernandes, but a second goal did come for the hosts just before half-time, Harry Maguire sending a long ball forward for Diogo Dalot tocontrol and shoot low into the far corner, Europe League reports.

Both goalkeepers made important saves early in the second half, Perri to deny Garnacho on the run and André Onana to keep out Corentin Tolisso's bouncing shot from close range.

Lyon began their rousing comeback with just under 20 minutes remaining, a series of headers inside the United box allowing Tolisso to nod in. The French side then found an equaliser eight minutes later; substitute Malick Fofana sending a cross in which worked its way to Nicolás Tagliafico with Onana unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Despite losing Tolisso to a second yellow card on 89 minutes, Lyon took the lead at the end of the first period of extra time as Cherki pounced on an intercepted ball following Fofana's run and produced a quick, accurate finish.

Alexandre Lacazatte then added a fourth from the penalty spot only for Fernandes to quickly restore United hopes with a spot kick of his own. In the 120th minute Kobbie Mainoo equalised with a curling strike but incredibly there was still time for Maguire, who had moved into a centre-forward role, to head an incredible winner to seal a thrilling win for United.

Reader Comments

J
Jamie L.
What a match! That Maguire header at the death had me jumping off my sofa! 🎉 United showed real character to come back twice. Mainoo is going to be special, that goal was pure class.
S
Sophie T.
As a neutral fan, this was one of the most entertaining games I've seen all season. Both teams left everything on the pitch. Feel bad for Lyon though - they played with 10 men for so long and still nearly pulled it off.
R
Raj P.
Our defense still worries me though. Conceding 4 goals at home isn't good enough if we want to win this competition. Onana had some great saves but we need to be more solid at the back.
M
Marcus B.
Bruno Fernandes was everywhere tonight! That volley that hit the bar would have been goal of the season. And ice cold with the penalty when we needed it most. Captain's performance 👏
L
Lisa K.
Can we talk about Harry Maguire playing striker and scoring the winner? 😂 Football is the most unpredictable sport! What a turnaround for him this season after all the criticism.
T
Tom W.
The atmosphere at Old Trafford sounded electric! These European nights are what football's all about. Bring on the semis - Athletic Club won't know what hit them!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published

Disclaimer: Comments are the opinions of users and not of this website or it's staff. News stories are provided by news agencies. We do not guarantee their accuracy. Inappropriate content may be removed. By posting, you agree to our terms.

You May Like!