Manchester United Pull Off One of Their Greatest Ever Comebacks to Reach Europa League Semi-Finals
On a truly unforgettable evening at Old Trafford, Manchester United delivered a European spectacle for the ages as they overturned a 4–2 deficit in extra time to defeat Olympique Lyonnais 5–4 on the night and progress to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a 7–6 aggregate triumph. It was a night that had everything — early dominance, a dramatic collapse, a red card, extra-time chaos, and ultimately, an incredible comeback capped off by a last-gasp winner from the most unlikely of heroes, Harry Maguire. In a stadium steeped in history and drama, this night will go down as one of the most remarkable performances seen in European competition in modern times.
A Strong Start and Emotional Momentum
Manchester United began the match knowing they needed to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg in Lyon. From the opening whistle, there was a clear intent from Rúben Amorim’s side to seize control. That intent was rewarded early when Manuel Ugarte smashed home the opener in the 10th minute after a well-worked move involving Alejandro Garnacho.
The pressure continued throughout the half, with United dictating the pace and Lyon struggling to hold possession. Just before the break, Diogo Dalot latched onto a superb header from Maguire to make it 2–0, a goal that not only levelled the tie on aggregate but also seemed to tilt the emotional momentum fully in United’s favour.
Lyon’s Second-Half Fightback
However, the second half revealed the brittle underbelly that has so often plagued United this season. Lyon, who had been largely second best for the opening hour, began to probe with more purpose. Their lifeline came in the 71st minute when Corentin Tolisso rose above the defence to head home from a set-piece.
Just six minutes later, Ainsley Maitland-Niles delivered a low cross that found Nicolas Tagliafico at the far post. The Argentine defender scuffed his effort, but it squirmed past a helpless Andre Onana to level the score at 2–2 on the night and put Lyon back ahead on aggregate. Suddenly, the control United had worked so hard to establish had evaporated, and they entered extra time staring down the barrel of a humiliating exit.
Extra Time Chaos and a Seemingly Lost Cause
Extra time brought more chaos, and for a moment, it seemed Lyon had delivered the killer blows. In the 104th minute, Rayan Cherki curled a beautiful strike into the far corner to give the French side the lead. Five minutes later, Alexandre Lacazette calmly slotted home a penalty after Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro were adjudged to have brought down Malick Fofana.
At 4–2 down in extra time and 6–5 behind on aggregate, many inside Old Trafford believed the tie was lost. Fans began to leave the stadium, believing European hopes had vanished into the Manchester night.
A Stunning Turnaround in the Final Moments
But United were not done. In the 114th minute, Bruno Fernandes stepped up after a VAR review overturned a missed penalty call on Casemiro, and the Portuguese midfielder converted coolly to spark belief once again.
What followed was nothing short of astonishing. With just seconds left in the 120th minute, young Kobbie Mainoo showed maturity beyond his years by calmly curling a low shot into the corner of the net to level the tie at 6–6 on aggregate.
Yet even that was not the final twist. With the stadium now a cauldron of noise, Casemiro floated in a high ball, and it was Harry Maguire — pushed into an attacking role in desperation — who met it with a towering header to complete the most incredible comeback and seal a 7–6 aggregate win in the final minute of extra time.
A Night to Remember, and a New Chapter Ahead
Rúben Amorim’s side now look ahead to a semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, and there is a renewed sense of belief that something special could still come from a turbulent season.
For United supporters, the sight of their team fighting back in such improbable fashion, especially in front of Sir Alex Ferguson who watched from the stands, evoked memories of the club’s greatest European nights. This performance may not have been as polished or as elegant as those of old, but it embodied the relentless drive and drama that defines the soul of Manchester United.
In a season that has offered more disappointment than delight, this night provided a rare and precious taste of euphoria.
