When All Seemed Lost: Manchester United’s Legendary Escape Against Lyon

In a breathtaking encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United overcame Olympique Lyonnais 5-4 on aggregate after extra time. United initially led 2-0 through goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, but Lyon responded with strikes from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolás Tagliafico, sending the match into extra time.

Lyon then surged ahead with goals from Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette, making it 4-2 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate. However, United mounted a dramatic comeback: Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty, Kobbie Mainoo equalized in the 120th minute, and Harry Maguire headed in the decisive goal moments later, sealing a 7-6 aggregate victory.

Key Moments:

– Early Lead: Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot scored in the first half, giving United a 2–0 lead.

– Lyon’s Response: Corentin Tolisso and Nicolás Tagliafico equalized for Lyon, making it 2–2.

– Lyon surged ahead with goals from Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette, leading 4–2 on the night and 6–4 on aggregate.

– United’s Comeback: Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty, Kobbie Mainoo equalized in the 120th minute, and Harry Maguire headed in the decisive goal moments later, completing a stunning turnaround.

FK Bodø/Glimt vs Lazio (Aggregate: 2–2; Bodø/Glimt win on penalties) – Stadio Olimpico

FK Bodø/Glimt made history by becoming the first Norwegian club to reach a European semi-final. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the second leg against Lazio ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a penalty shootout. Bodø/Glimt held their nerve to win the shootout, securing their place in the semi-finals

Key Moments:

– First Leg Advantage: Ulrik Saltnes scored twice in the first leg, giving Bodø/Glimt a 2–0 lead.

– Lazio’s Fightback: Lazio leveled the aggregate score in the second leg, forcing extra time.

– Penalty Shootout Heroics: Goalkeeper Nikita Haikin saved two penalties in the shootout, securing Bodø/Glimt’s place in the semi-finals.

Athletic Bilbao vs Rangers (Aggregate: 3–2) – San Mamés

Athletic Bilbao secured their semi-final spot with a 3-1 victory over Rangers in the second leg, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit. Nico Williams was instrumental, scoring twice to lead the Spanish side to a 3-2 aggregate win.

Key Moments:

– Sancet’s Penalty: Oihan Sancet converted a penalty late in the first half to level the aggregate score.

– Defensive Resilience: Athletic’s defense, led by Vivian and Yeray, withstood Rangers’ pressure, including a shot that hit the post.

– Williams’ Decisive Goal: Nico Williams headed in a late goal from a De Marcos cross, sealing the victory.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur (Aggregate: 1–2) – Deutsche Bank Park

Tottenham Hotspur advanced to the semi-finals after a 3-2 aggregate win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Spurs clinched the tie with a 2-1 victory in the second leg, thanks to goals from Wilson Odobert and Son Heung-min

Key Moments:

– First Leg Draw: The first leg ended 1–1, with goals from Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt and Pedro Porro for Spurs.

– Solanke’s Penalty: Dominic Solanke converted a penalty just before halftime in the second leg, giving Spurs the lead.

– Defensive Solidity: Tottenham’s defense held firm in the second half, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario making crucial saves to preserve the lead.

Semi-Final Fixtures (First Legs: May 1, 2025)

– Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao

– FK Bodø/Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur

The semi-finals promise to deliver more thrilling action as teams vie for a spot in the Europa League final.