Man United complete historic comeback to reach semi-final

In what will go down as one of the most dramatic nights in recent European football history, Manchester United have secured their place in the Europa League semi-finals after a stunning 5-4 victory over Olympique Lyon after extra time. The match at Old Trafford had everything: goals, red cards, lead changes, and a last-minute winner from none other than Harry Maguire.

From total control to near collapse

United got off to a dream start in front of 73,000 fans, racing to a 2-0 lead within the first half. Manuel Ugarte opened the scoring after just ten minutes, finishing off a superb team move involving Noussair Mazraoui, Bruno Fernandes, and Alejandro Garnacho. Just before the break, Diogo Dalot made it 2-0 with a clinical strike. The second half started comfortably for the hosts, but as has been the story of their season, things quickly unraveled. Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso pulled one back in the 71st minute with a powerful header, and just six minutes later, Nicolás Tagliafico equalised after André Onana misjudged a goal-line clearance.

Extra time chaos and a late twist

With the score level at 2-2, the match headed into extra time — but not before Lyon were reduced to ten men. Tolisso received a second yellow in the 89th minute for a light foul on Kobbie Mainoo, leaving the visitors short-handed for the added 30 minutes. Yet, remarkably, it was Lyon who surged ahead in extra time. Rayan Cherki curled in a stunning strike to make it 2-3, and Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty shortly after to give the French side a 2-4 lead. Old Trafford was stunned.

But United were not done.

Bruno Fernandes pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 114th minute, and teenage substitute Kobbie Mainoo made it 4-4 with a sensational solo effort just seconds before the end of extra time. Still, the drama wasn’t over. In the 121st minute, Casemiro delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Harry Maguire rose to head home the winner, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in Europa League history.

Eyes on Bilbao

With the comeback complete, Manchester United now look ahead to the semi-finals, where they will face Athletic Bilbao on May 1st and 8th. The winner of that tie will book a place in the final on May 21st, held fittingly at San Mamés in Bilbao. Despite sitting just 14th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone, United’s Europa League dream is still alive and could be their ticket back to the Champions League.