Last updated on April 10, 2025
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Tonight is Matic vs Onana.
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As Manchester United prepare to face Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final, the stakes could not be higher for the struggling English giants.
With their domestic season faltering, the Europa League now stands as their only shot at silverware and redemption.
United’s Turbulent Season
Manchester United’s campaign in the Premier League has been nothing short of dismal.
Sitting 13th in the table with just 38 points from 31 games, European qualification through domestic competition is almost impossible.
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Last time Man United faced Lyon in a competitive match, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner 🤩⏪ pic.twitter.com/RPwqN3C0vV
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) April 10, 2025
Their recent performances haven’t helped their cause either, with a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest and a goalless draw in a drab Manchester derby reflecting their struggles.
Despite this, the Red Devils remain unbeaten in this season’s Europa League, recording six wins and four draws.
A dominant 5-2 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad in the Round of 16—highlighted by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick—showed they can still be a threat on the continental stage.
Manager Ruben Amorim has tried to rally the squad, pointing to signs of “improvement,” but fans are yet to be convinced.
Nevertheless, United have a strong record in European knockout matches, having lost just one of their last 21 Europa League games.
Lyon’s Resurgence Under Pressure
Lyon enter the contest in contrasting form. After a rocky winter that saw them go seven games without a win, the French side have found momentum, winning seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Their recent 2-1 win over Lille, with goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki, underlined their attacking quality.
Though head coach Paulo Fonseca is still banned, assistant Jorge Maciel has guided the team impressively.
Lyon currently sit 5th in Ligue 1, just two points off a Champions League place, and will be eager to prove themselves against Premier League opposition.
🚨 Lyon has lost only 3 of their last 28 European games at home… pic.twitter.com/7gpYAfO4U6
— Fan |Spike⚡ (@dennizzer_k) April 10, 2025
In the Europa League, Lyon finished sixth in the overall table but crushed FCSB 7-1 on aggregate in the previous round.
However, their record against English clubs is worrying—they have never beaten Manchester United in four meetings and have a poor history in two-legged ties against Premier League sides.
Key Players to Watch
- Bruno Fernandes (Man United) – The Portuguese playmaker remains United’s talisman, and his leadership will be crucial.
- Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) – The experienced striker is Lyon’s main attacking threat and could be vital in exploiting United’s shaky defence.
Match Info
- Competition: UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals, 1st Leg
- Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
- Time: 8pm UK
- Venue: Parc Olympique Lyonnais
Final Thoughts
Manchester United may be down, but they’re not out. Their Europa League form offers a glimmer of hope, but Lyon’s resurgence means this tie is finely balanced.
With a place in the semi-finals on the line, both teams have everything to play for.
