Manchester United stun Lyon with historic extra-time comeback in Europa League thriller

Manchester United came back from 4-2 down in extra time to beat Lyon 5-4, winning 7-6 on aggregate in an unforgettable Europa League quarter-final.

Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the team’s fifth goal during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg match against Olympique Lyonnais at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on April 17, 2025. Photo by Ash Donelon/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a match that will live long in the memory of fans, Manchester United stun Lyon with one of the most breathtaking comebacks in recent Europa League history. Trailing 4-2 in extra time and seemingly headed for elimination, United turned the tide in stunning fashion, scoring three times in six minutes to beat Lyon 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate at Old Trafford on Thursday.

The result keeps Manchester United’s hopes of European glory alive and secures a dramatic passage into the semi-finals, where they will face Athletic Bilbao. More importantly, it gives them a potential backdoor entry into the Champions League next season — a crucial prize for a club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

Chaos and comeback: Old Trafford’s night of miracles

With the score tied 2-2 from the first leg in Lyon, United looked to be in control after first-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot gave them a 2-0 lead at the break. But Lyon, inspired by the irrepressible Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette, mounted a ferocious comeback. Even after going down to ten men following Corentin Tolisso’s red card, the French side seemed to have pulled off the improbable, scoring four goals to stun the home crowd.

At 4-2 in extra time, United's season appeared all but over. Their European dream was slipping through their fingers. But what followed was a jaw-dropping flurry of drama that would make even the most seasoned United fan sit up in disbelief.

Amorim’s belief proves contagious

“I felt that here everything is possible,” said United manager Ruben Amorim after the final whistle. “After the 4-3, the penalty from Bruno, you feel that you can change the game.”

That spirit of defiance is deeply embedded in United's DNA, and on this night, it flourished under the pressure. The comeback began with a Bruno Fernandes penalty after a VAR check awarded United a spot-kick for a foul on Casemiro. Fernandes converted calmly to bring the score to 4-3.

Just minutes later, young Kobbie Mainoo — deployed in an unfamiliar attacking role — found space in the box and finished with poise to level the match at 4-4. With momentum fully behind them, United surged forward. Barely a minute after Mainoo's goal, Harry Maguire rose at the far post to meet a cross and powered home a header to give United the lead — and seal an extraordinary 5-4 win.

Redemption stories and rising stars

Among the many compelling narratives of the night, few were more poignant than that of goalkeeper Andre Onana. Criticised heavily after a poor performance in the first leg and dropped in the Premier League loss to Newcastle, Onana returned to the starting lineup under intense scrutiny. Yet, despite conceding four, he pulled off a number of crucial saves in regulation time to keep United in contention.

In attack, Alejandro Garnacho was electric in the opening exchanges, setting up Ugarte's opener with a pinpoint cross. Diogo Dalot added the second just before halftime, showing great control and precision to finish off Maguire’s long ball. Garnacho could have killed the game early in the second half but missed a golden chance, shooting straight at Lyon keeper Lucas Perri with Fernandes unmarked beside him.

Still, it was the late-game contributions that stole the spotlight. Kobbie Mainoo’s goal was not only vital, but a testament to his growing confidence and versatility. Maguire’s header, meanwhile, was a fitting capstone for a player often under fire but who has quietly delivered when it matters most this season.

Lyon collapse despite heroic effort

On the other side, Lyon will be left to rue missed opportunities and the sending off of their captain, Tolisso. Even with a man down, they had clawed their way into a commanding position thanks to goals from Tolisso, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rayan Cherki, and a penalty from Lacazette after Luke Shaw's reckless challenge in the box.

Cherki, in particular, showed why he's considered one of Europe’s top young talents. His goal to make it 4-2 was a stunning display of skill and precision. Lyon’s coach, Paulo Fonseca, was left in disbelief at the final whistle.

“In this moment it is difficult to believe what has just happened,” Fonseca admitted. His side had the match in their grasp, only to let it slip in the most dramatic way imaginable.

A new path forward for Manchester United

The win doesn’t just send Manchester United to the semi-finals of the Europa League — it breathes life into a season that has been mired in underperformance and uncertainty. With domestic hopes dwindling, this European run now represents a vital opportunity to salvage something meaningful from the campaign.

United now face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final, a side known for their high press and relentless work rate. It will be no easy task, but if Thursday night’s comeback proved anything, it's that this United team has rediscovered belief — and perhaps their identity.

For Ruben Amorim, this might be the night he truly stamped his authority on the club. His gamble to bring back Onana, his trust in youngsters like Mainoo, and his decision to keep pushing for goals despite the setbacks all paid off. The manager’s confidence has seemingly transferred to his players, who delivered when it mattered most.

Europa dreams and Champions League ambitions

The stakes are now higher than ever. Win the Europa League, and United not only add another European trophy to their illustrious history but also secure a place in next season’s Champions League. That prospect, once improbable, now feels tantalizingly close.

After one of the most exhilarating nights in recent club history, Manchester United stun Lyon not just with goals, but with belief, resilience, and a refusal to accept defeat. Old Trafford has seen many magical moments, but this one — five goals in extra time, three of them United’s — belongs in its own special category.

Three games now separate the Red Devils from glory. And with momentum finally on their side, anything feels possible again.