Last updated on April 18, 2025
Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation!
Manchester United scored three goals in seven minutes to turn their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon around!
Image credit: UtdKobi
In a match that defied all logic, Manchester United reawakened memories of their most iconic European nights.
The Red Devils completed a jaw-dropping comeback to beat Lyon 5-4 at Old Trafford. With the win, they secured a 7-6 aggregate victory in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Twice down and seemingly out, United clawed their way back from the brink—culminating in a last-gasp winner from Harry Maguire in extra time that sent the stadium into raptures and delivered a match destined for club folklore.
A Night for the Ages
Old Trafford has witnessed greatness—Busby’s Babes, Ferguson’s Treble, Rooney’s rockets—but on Thursday night, Ruben Amorim’s squad etched their name into club history with a victory of unforgettable drama.
💥 Think You Know Football? Let’s Prove It – Join the Ultimate EPL Fan Newsletter!
United had led 2-0 at halftime through goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, seemingly in control and poised to advance comfortably.
But a storm was brewing.
Within seven second-half minutes, Lyon struck back with goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico.
Tolisso was later sent off, but the 10-man French side kept fighting, scoring again in extra time through Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty to lead 4-2 on the night—6-5 on aggregate.
From Despair to Delight
With fans heading for the exits and United’s European hopes fading, VAR handed them a lifeline.
A foul on Casemiro was initially overlooked but overturned, and Bruno Fernandes buried the spot-kick in the 114th minute.
The mood changed. The belief returned.
Then came the chaos: Kobbie Mainoo curled in a stunning equaliser at the 120-minute mark.
Just sixty seconds later, Casemiro lofted a ball into the area. Harry Maguire—pushed up as a desperate striker—rose above the chaos and powered a header into the corner.
Old Trafford erupted. Substitutes, coaching staff, and even Amorim charged down the touchline in celebration as if channeling Ferguson’s 1999 Champions League magic or Mourinho’s famous run at the same venue in 2004.
Fergie, History & Heart
Watching from the stands, Sir Alex Ferguson witnessed echoes of his legendary 1999 comeback against Bayern Munich.
That iconic phrase—“Football, bloody hell”—felt reborn in this surreal spectacle.
While United still face the challenge of a semi-final against Athletic Bilbao—and possibly an all-English final with Tottenham—the sheer emotional weight of this night stands tall.
The victory was not just a result, but a resurrection.
A Game That Made No Sense, But Made History
The match fluctuated wildly. For 70 minutes, United played their best football under Amorim’s tenure, creating ample chances to bury the tie.
But they faltered at crucial moments.
Lacazette’s flick set up Tolisso’s opener. Then Tagliafico’s scuffed finish equalised—despite goalkeeper Andre Onana’s desperate effort.
United lost shape, focus, and almost the tie.
Even down a man, Lyon were the better side for much of extra time. Cherki’s strike and Lacazette’s penalty felt like daggers.
We feel you, Ruben Amorim 😅@ManUtd looked down and out in extra time against Lyon, 6-4 down on aggregate in the 114th minute.
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 17, 2025
But Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire still found time to score to win 7-6 and go through to the Europa League semi-finals! pic.twitter.com/oevZFHXmpl
European football next season, and perhaps Amorim’s own future, hung in the balance.
Yet somehow, United found three goals in the final 11 minutes to turn disaster into destiny.
Emotional Moments Beyond the Pitch
The night wasn’t without personal drama. Defender Noussair Mazraoui left the game at halftime due to an urgent family issue.
Victor Lindelof, moments from coming on, also departed for unrelated personal reasons. Club sources confirmed both players are fine.
Match Highlights
Manchester United Goals:
- Ugarte (10’)
- Dalot (45’+1)
- Fernandes (114’ pen)
- Mainoo (120’)
- Maguire (120’+1)
Lyon Goals:
- Tolisso (71’)
- Tagliafico (77’)
- Cherki (104’)
- Lacazette (109’ pen)
Attendance: 73,228
Venue: Old Trafford
Man of the Match: Harry Maguire (Rating: 7.55)
What Comes Next?
With their European dream still alive, United now prepare for a semi-final against Bilbao, just three wins away from Europa League glory—and a Champions League berth that could save their season.
Whatever happens next, this night has already earned its place in Manchester United’s long and storied history.
