Manchester United staged a jaw-dropping 5-4 comeback against Lyon, scoring twice in stoppage time to reach the Europa League semi-finals in dramatic Old Trafford fashion.
In a night that defied logic and rewrote the script of a turbulent season, Manchester United pulled off one of the most dramatic European comebacks Old Trafford has ever witnessed. Down 4-2 in extra time and seemingly crashing out of the Europa League, United scored three times in the final minutes – including two in stoppage time – to beat 10-man Lyon 5-4 and reach the semi-finals.
Supporters had already begun streaming out, resigned to another heartbreak in a season of false dawns. But what followed in the dying moments was sheer football theatre – a comeback of such intensity and emotion that it earned comparisons to United’s fabled 1999 Champions League final triumph.
Bruno Fernandes ignited the improbable revival with a nerveless penalty in the 114th minute after VAR flagged a foul on Casemiro. Moments later, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo – playing as a makeshift striker – curled a sublime equaliser into the far corner to level the tie at 4-4.
And then came the winner. With the clock ticking into the 120th minute, Casemiro lofted a hopeful ball into the area and Harry Maguire, of all people, rose highest to nod it past the goalkeeper, sparking scenes of utter pandemonium. Substitute players, staff, and even security swarmed the pitch as United sealed a semi-final clash with Athletic Bilbao.
A Match That Defied Explanation
It was a contest that, at various points, made no sense. Ruben Amorim’s side had been in control, then outplayed, then ahead, then stunned. “Football, bloody hell,” Sir Alex Ferguson famously said after that 1999 night in Barcelona – and fittingly, the legendary former boss was in the stands to witness this wild chapter unfold.
For 70 minutes, United had looked sharp and purposeful. Goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot had given them a deserved lead and a foothold in the tie. But as has been the story of their season, the inability to kill the game off proved costly.
Alexandre Lacazette’s flick-on created the first of Lyon’s quick-fire goals, with Corentin Tolisso heading in to halve the deficit. Minutes later, a speculative effort from Ainsley Maitland-Niles somehow found Nicolas Tagliafico at the far post, and his mis-hit finish crept in past Andre Onana. In seven chaotic minutes, United had thrown away their lead.
When extra time arrived, it was Lyon who carried the momentum. Rayan Cherki’s low drive gave them the advantage, and Lacazette’s penalty – awarded after a clumsy foul on Malick Fofana – appeared to confirm United’s fate.
Even with Lyon down to 10 men after Tolisso’s controversial red card, the hosts showed little sign of life – until Fernandes’ penalty offered a flicker of hope. What followed was pure Old Trafford folklore.
From Collapse to Redemption
The result spares United from the ignominy of missing out on European competition altogether next season – a real possibility had they been eliminated. With a Europa League final now in sight and a potential all-English showdown with Tottenham looming, Amorim and his men have something tangible to chase amid an otherwise rocky campaign.
The scenes post-match spoke volumes. Amorim raced down the touchline in celebration, echoing Jose Mourinho’s famous sprint in 2004 when Porto knocked United out at the same ground. Rio Ferdinand, commentating for TNT Sport, leapt with joy, as did most of the home crowd who had opted to stay.
Yet the victory was not without its oddities. Two defenders, Noussair Mazraoui and Victor Lindelöf, were withdrawn from the squad mid-game due to unrelated family emergencies. Neither is understood to be facing a serious issue, but their absences added to the surreal tone of the evening.
A Night for the Ages
Old Trafford has hosted some unforgettable nights across its century-long history – from the Busby Babes and the Holy Trinity to Treble-winning heroes and modern legends. This team, by most measures, doesn’t compare. But for one night, they delivered a performance – and a story – that stands proudly alongside any that came before.
How far this United side can now go remains uncertain. But they’ve reminded the world, and themselves, that the magic of this club still flickers.
