The Europa League semifinals are set! Manchester United pulled off a stunning comeback against Lyon, scoring in the 120th and 121st minutes of extra time to win their place in the next round. Despite Lyon, playing with 10 men, scoring twice in extra time and seeming to have the victory secured with a 4-2 lead on aggregate, Manchester United fought back. Goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire secured a 5-4 victory on the night (7-6 on aggregate). This incredible match will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in Europa League history, with three extra-time goals for the Red Devils.
Manchester United will now join Tottenham, Athletic Club, and Bodo/Glimt in the semifinals. This season has been challenging for Manchester United, and this Europa League run represents their best chance to qualify for next season`s Champions League. Their hopes were almost dashed, but this victory keeps their European dream alive.
Corentin Tolisso of Lyon received a red card when the score was 2-2 in normal time, which should have given United the advantage. However, the drama was just beginning. Both teams scored penalties at the end of regulation time, with Alexandre Lacazette and Bruno Fernandes converting for their respective sides. Then, in extra time, Casemiro delivered a brilliant pass for Mainoo to score in the 120th minute. Moments later, another excellent ball from Casemiro found Maguire, who headed home the winning goal in the 121st minute. Within seven minutes, United scored three unanswered goals, demonstrating their determination to win and salvage their season.
While United manager might have preferred an easier victory, this kind of dramatic win can be a catalyst for something special. The next challenge is Athletic Club in the semifinals. After overcoming such a difficult opponent in Lyon, Manchester United will feel confident they can beat anyone on their path to the Europa League title.
Tottenham Advances, Lazio Eliminated
Tottenham`s season has been inconsistent, but they managed to secure a narrow victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, even without Heung-min Son. Dominic Solanke scored the decisive goal from a penalty. Chances were scarce in the match in Germany, but James Maddison was fouled in the penalty area by Frankfurt`s goalkeeper, Kaua. Following a VAR review, a penalty was awarded, which Solanke converted, even after some discussion with his teammate about who should take the penalty.
Maddison was substituted at halftime, replaced by Dejan Kulusevski, but Tottenham successfully defended against Frankfurt`s late attempts to equalize and are still in contention to save their season.
Lazio, after losing the first leg 2-0 in a freezing match, fought back in the home leg to force a penalty shootout against Bodo/Glimt. However, Taty Castellanos missed his penalty, and Bodo/Glimt won the shootout 3-2, becoming the first Norwegian team ever to reach a European semifinal.
Athletic Club`s dream of playing the Europa League final in their home stadium in Spain remains alive. They defeated Rangers with a penalty in the first half. While they might have wished for more goals over the two legs, they achieved their primary objective: advancing to the semifinals.
Quarterfinal Results
- Eintracht Frankfurt 0, Tottenham 1 (Tottenham wins 2-1 on aggregate)
- Lazio 3, Bodo/Glimt 1 (Bodo/Glimt wins 3-2 on penalties)
- Manchester United 5, Lyon 4 (United wins 7-6 on aggregate)
- Athletic Club 2, Rangers 0 (Athletic Club wins 2-0 on aggregate)
Europa League Semifinal Matchups
All matches can be seen on Paramount+
Thursday, May 1
- Tottenham vs. Bodo/Glimt
- Athletic Club vs. Manchester United
Thursday, May 8
- Bodo/Glimt vs. Tottenham
- Manchester United vs. Athletic Club
