In one of the most dramatic nights in European football, Harry Maguire scored a sensational last-minute goal to secure a thrilling 5-4 extra-time victory for Manchester United over Lyon, propelling them into the Europa League semi-finals. The match, played at Old Trafford, was a rollercoaster of emotions, with United’s hopes of salvaging their underwhelming season hanging by a thread.
Manchester United, who currently sit 14th in the Premier League, could not afford to lose, as a defeat would mean the end of their European journey for the season. Lyon, despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half, were relentless, with goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico canceling out United’s efforts by Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot. The match went to extra time, with United facing the grim prospect of a quarter-final exit.
Lyon’s resilience in the face of adversity seemed to have sealed United’s fate when Rayan Cherki’s goal and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty put them in a commanding position. However, United’s fighting spirit came alive in the final stages. Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the 114th minute gave the Red Devils hope, and substitute Kobbie Mainoo’s dramatic equalizer in the 120th minute sent the match into a frenzy. Moments later, Maguire’s towering header off a Casemiro cross sealed an unforgettable 7-6 aggregate win, ensuring a semi-final clash with Athletic Bilbao.
The night began on a high for United, with Fernandes setting up Alejandro Garnacho, whose precise pass allowed Ugarte to give United a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute. Despite Lyon’s attacks, including a fine save from Andre Onana to deny Paul Akouokou’s header, United pressed on, with Dalot doubling the lead after outmuscling Tagliafico.
But Lyon fought back after the 71st-minute equalizer from Tolisso. Tagliafico then scored from close range in the 77th minute, leveling the tie. As tensions rose, Lyon’s Tolisso was sent off in the 89th minute, giving United a lifeline. With the match heading into extra-time, Lyon capitalized through Cherki’s strike, but the drama was far from over. Lacazette’s penalty in the 110th minute seemed to have handed Lyon victory, but United’s resolve saw them through.
A VAR review saw a penalty awarded to United for a foul on Casemiro, which Fernandes converted. Mainoo then delivered an astonishing goal, before Maguire’s header completed the remarkable turnaround, securing United’s place in the semi-finals.
