Harry Maguire scored winner in added period of extra time to give United victory over Lyon in Europa League semi-final
Manchester United have qualified for the semi-final of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League.
The Red Devils sealed their progress with a late header from Harry Maguire to earn a dramatic 5-4 victory over Olympique Lyon in the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday.
Both teams played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg a week ago at Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
The return leg was a rip-roaring encounter that produced 42 shots, nine goals, one red card, extra time and a dramatic late decider.
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United went ahead just ten minutes into the match, with Manuel Ugarte finishing off a slick attacking move. Diogo Dalot doubled the home team’s lead on the stroke of halftime with a rewarding overlapping run into Lyon’s goal area.
Lyon’s response did not arrive until later in the second half, and when it did, it was in the form of two quick goals within six minutes. Corentin Tolisso scored the first in the 71st minute, and Nicolas Tagliafico equalised for Lyon in the 77th minute.
Despite Tolisso picking up a red card before the end of normal time, Lyon scored twice early in extra time to go ahead. Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette stunned Old Trafford.
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But United also mounted an improbable comeback as the match looked destined to finish unfavourably. Bruno Fernandes made it 4-3 from the spot after Casemiro was fouled. Then Kobbie Maino tied the game 4-4 in the 120th minute.
There was time for one more moment of magic, and Maguire was the hero, and his powerful header sent United to the Europa League final four.
Tottenham defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on aggregate, also securing a semi-final place. Athletic Club and Bodo/Glimt join them.
SEMI-FINAL FIXTURES
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Athletic Club vs Man United
Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt
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