Europa League: Manchester United comes back from 5-4 down against Lyon with a last-minute goal
The English team staged a historic comeback in extra time and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament after their match against Lyon.
Manchester United faced Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford this Thursday in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals. The English team overturned a two-goal deficit in the final minutes of extra time.
When the French team took a 4-2 lead, many of the home team's supporters began to leave. However, after a penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes and a goal by Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United began to intensify their attack. Finally, Harry Maguire scored the winning goal in the final minute, sealing the English team's place in the semifinals, where they will play Athletic Bilbao.
From despair to euphoria
After a promising start with two goals from Ugarte and Dalot for Manchester United, the team began to miss clear opportunities to seal the match. In seven minutes, Lyon capitalized on errors from the English defense to level the score with goals from Tolisso and Tagliafico.
In extra time, Lyon took a 4-2 lead with goals from Chekie and Alexandre Lacazette, the latter a penalty. However, a sending-off for Tolisso gave Rúben Amorin's team a chance to level the score. A victory that goes down in club history.
A victory that goes down in the club's history
A penalty on Casemiro, recognized by VAR, allowed Bruno Fernandes to score. Shortly after, Mainoo tied the game with a shot into the corner of the French goal. Just as everyone seemed to be preparing for penalties, Casemiro launched a cross into the opponent's box and Harry Maguire scored a header in the final minute of the match.
The celebration of the final goal included all the English team's assistants, substitutes, and coaching staff. According to many fans, this victory reminded them of the 1999 team for their successful exploits.
Manchester United hopes to win the tournament's trophy. However, they will first have to face their next opponent in the semifinals and then a possible final. Furthermore, the team hopes to secure a place in the Champions League by winning the competition.