Manchester United secured their place in the Europa League semifinals in dramatic fashion, scoring twice in the dying moments of extra time to overcome Lyon in an epic quarterfinal clash. Despite conceding two extra-time goals to a 10-man Lyon and appearing to be on the brink of elimination, the Red Devils mounted an incredible comeback. Goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire secured a 5-4 victory (7-6 on aggregate), marking one of the most unforgettable games in Europa League history, with three extra-time goals.
Manchester United joins Tottenham, Athletic Club, and Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semifinals. In a season filled with challenges, Manchester United narrowly avoided what could have been their worst result. The Europa League represents their crucial path to Champions League qualification, and this path remains open after a victory that seemed improbable.
Corentin Tolisso`s red card for Lyon when the score was tied 2-2 in regulation time should have given United the advantage, but the drama was only beginning. Both Alexandre Lacazette and Bruno Fernandes converted penalties, setting the stage for a thrilling finale at Old Trafford. Casemiro delivered a crucial assist to Mainoo for a 120th-minute goal, followed by another excellent pass from the Brazilian to Maguire, who headed home in the 121st minute. United scored three unanswered goals in just seven minutes, demonstrating their determination to salvage their season.
While manager Amorim might have preferred an earlier resolution, this type of victory can ignite a special spark within the team. Facing Athletic Club in the next round presents another significant challenge for Manchester United, but after overcoming this dramatic quarterfinal, they will feel confident against any opponent in their quest for the Europa League title.
Tottenham Advances Past Lazio
Tottenham, despite a turbulent season and playing without Heung-min Son, managed a hard-fought victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Dominic Solanke`s penalty was the decisive goal in a match where clear chances were scarce. James Maddison was fouled in the penalty area by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua, leading to a VAR review and the penalty, which Solanke converted, even after some initial confusion about penalty takers.
Maddison was substituted at halftime for Dejan Kulusevski, and Tottenham successfully resisted Frankfurt`s late attempts to equalize, keeping their European campaign alive.
After losing the first leg 2-0 at home in freezing conditions, Lazio fought back to force a penalty shootout against Bodo/Glimt. However, Taty Castellanos missed his penalty, allowing Bodo/Glimt to become the first Norwegian team ever to reach a European semifinal, winning the shootout 3-2 against Lazio.
Athletic Club`s dream of playing the Europa League final at their home stadium in Spain remains alive. They secured their semifinal spot with a first-half penalty victory over Rangers. While they might have felt they deserved more goals over the two legs, advancing to the semifinals was the ultimate objective.
Quarterfinal Scores
- Eintracht Frankfurt 0, Tottenham 1 (Tottenham advances 2-1 on aggregate)
- Lazio 3, Bodo/Glimt 1 (Bodo/Glimt advances 3-2 via penalty shootout)
- Manchester United 5, Lyon 4 (United advances 7-6 on aggregate)
- Athletic Club 2, Rangers 0 (Athletic Club advances 2-0 on aggregate)
Europa League Semifinal Matchups
Thursday, May 1
- Tottenham vs. Bodo/Glimt
- Athletic Club vs. Manchester United
Thursday, May 8
- Bodo/Glimt vs. Tottenham
- Manchester United vs. Athletic Club
Dominic Ashworth