Europa League 2024-25: Manchester United Edge Lyon in 9-Goal Classic as Maguire Seals Epic Comeback

On a historic night under the Old Trafford lights, Manchester United produced one of the most astonishing performances in European football history, edging Lyon 5-4 after extra time — 7-6 on aggregate — in a record-breaking Europa League quarter-final clash. It was a match filled with relentless drama, unexpected twists, and a never-say-die attitude that typified United’s storied legacy in European competition.

Ultimately, it was Harry Maguire, deployed as an emergency striker, who completed a miraculous turnaround in the 121st minute, sending the Red Devils into the semi-finals against Athletic Club.

Flying Start Sets the Tone

Ruben Amorim’s side began assertively, dominating the early phases. Within ten minutes, Alejandro Garnacho danced into the penalty area before cutting back for Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder struck sweetly past Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri, igniting the atmosphere in the Theatre of Dreams.

United pressed forward and came close to a second when Bruno Fernandes’s audacious volley crashed against the crossbar. The deserved second eventually arrived before the break. A precise long ball from Maguire picked out Diogo Dalot, who controlled expertly and drilled home into the bottom corner.

Lyon Roar Back into Contention

Despite trailing 2-0, the visitors refused to capitulate. Perri kept Lyon alive with a sharp save against Garnacho, while Onana was called upon to deny Corentin Tolisso from close range. But the game turned on its head with 20 minutes left as United’s grip loosened.

Tolisso started the comeback, heading home amid chaos in the box. Eight minutes later, substitute Malick Fofana’s cross deflected to Nicolás Tagliafico, whose effort crept past Onana. Suddenly level, Lyon looked the more composed side, even after Tolisso received his marching orders for a second yellow.

Twists, Turns and Turmoil in Extra Time

With United struggling to reassert dominance, Lyon capitalised in the first period of extra time. Fofana intercepted and set up Rayan Cherki, who found the net with precision to hand the visitors a shocking 4-2 advantage.

Then came a frenetic final 15 minutes. Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty that appeared to seal Lyon’s progression, but Fernandes hit back almost immediately with a spot kick of his own. As Lyon’s legs tired and nerves frayed, the Red Devils surged.

Kobbie Mainoo restored parity in the 120th minute with a magnificent curling strike that sent the crowd into delirium. But the night still had one more incredible moment. Maguire, now playing up front, rose to meet a cross and sent a bullet header past Perri — a goal that completed the comeback and sealed a legendary triumph.

Post-Match Reactions: Emotions Run High

A euphoric Harry Maguire said: “If you looked madness up in the dictionary you would probably describe it as that game. A crazy game and unbelievable to be on the right side of the result, and yet we’ve created great memories for a lot of our fans. We’ve made them happy and given them lots to talk about, good and bad.”

Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca reflected on his team’s collapse: “It’s hard to understand what happened. We have done magnificent things; we led 4-2 with one fewer player on the pitch. But we celebrated a lot at 4-2 when the match was not over. We thought we had won when we should have continued to think about our game management. We lacked experience at that moment.“

Ruben Amorim captured the essence of the night: “It was a great night. The team were tired and you felt that during the game, and then, at 4-2, with one more player, you think it’s over – but here, it’s never over.”

Record-Breaking Feats and Historic Firsts

This pulsating encounter became the first-ever nine-goal match in Europa League history, surpassing ten previous eight-goal fixtures. Manchester United extended their unbeaten run at home in the competition to five straight wins and marked their 28th UEFA quarter-final — more than any other English side.

Lyon, meanwhile, saw their impressive ten-match unbeaten away streak in European competition shattered. Additionally, the French outfit has now lost their last four two-legged European ties against English opponents.

Belief, Bravery, and a Bit of Maguire Magic

Kobbie Mainoo, reflecting on his vital equaliser, said: “It was an amazing comeback. When I came on, I tried to bring energy, contribute to the team, carry on the energy and feed off the other players.”

Leny Yoro added: “Maybe only one time have I been involved in such a crazy game like this – the game, the situation. It was the best game of my life.”

Manchester United now set their sights on a semi-final clash with Athletic Club, carrying with them not only momentum but the belief that anything is possible. As Maguire’s improbable winner showed, in football — and especially at Old Trafford — no story is ever truly finished until the final whistle blows.

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