Old Trafford, England — Manchester United pulled off a remarkable comeback, defeating Olympique Lyonnais 5-4 in the Europa League quarter-final on April 17, 2025. Down 4-2 with seconds left in extra time, United switched gears to snatch victory in stunning fashion.
Harry Maguire netted the decisive goal in injury time, guiding a header into the net that sent the packed stadium into raptures. ‘It was an incredible feeling to score that winner in such an important game,’ Maguire expressed, acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster of the match.
The game kicked off with Lyon taking an unexpected lead through Manuel Ugarte just 10 minutes in. United struggled initially, but Diogo Dalot equalized just before halftime, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
In the second half, Bruno Fernandes managed to level the score with a penalty, keeping United’s dream alive. Despite Lyon taking a commanding lead again, United’s resilience shone through, showcasing their determination to push through adversity.
‘I think they thought they’d won it, the way they were celebrating,’ Maguire reflected, referring to Lyon’s ecstatic reactions after their goals. ‘That gave us more of an incentive to turn the game around.’
With the aggregate score tied at 6-6 and penalties looming, United’s emergency striker strategy played out, as Maguire was pushed forward, scoring the final goal that clinched their place in the semi-finals.
Reflecting on their journey, manager Ruben Amorim noted, ‘This kind of moment can change a lot in the players’ minds. We’ve got to focus on the Europa League from here on out.’
Despite their Premier League struggles, United has shown their prowess in Europe, remaining unbeaten across 11 games this season. They will next face Athletic Club in the semi-finals, taking a step closer to securing a trophy and potentially a spot in the next Champions League.
Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso expressed regret after the match, noting, ‘We are professionals, we have to digest this and focus on our Champions League qualification. Conceding three goals in the final minutes after being 4-2 up is frustrating.’
The atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric during the comeback, with fans providing unwavering support that fueled the players until the very last minute. ‘The fans were crazy, they really helped us today,’ said midfielder Leny Yoro, highlighting the importance of home support during intense matches.
This match will surely be remembered as one of the great European nights at Old Trafford, with another chapter added to the rich history of Manchester United in European competitions.
