Manchester United produced a historic turnaround in the Europa League semifinals, scoring in the 120th and 121st minutes of extra time to overcome Lyon. Despite conceding two extra-time goals to a 10-man Lyon and trailing by two, Manchester United rallied thanks to goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire. The Red Devils secured a 5-4 victory (7-6 on aggregate) in an unforgettable match, scoring three times in extra time alone to advance.
Manchester United joins Tottenham, Athletic Club, and Bodo/Glimt in the final four. In a challenging season, this Europa League run is crucial for Manchester United`s Champions League aspirations, and their journey continues after this improbable victory.
Corentin Tolisso`s red card, when the score was 2-2 in regulation time, seemed decisive, but the drama was just beginning. Penalty conversions from Alexandre Lacazette and Bruno Fernandes intensified the tension at Old Trafford. Casemiro`s brilliance set up Mainoo`s 120th-minute goal, and then he delivered again, finding Maguire for a 121st-minute header. United scored three quick goals in seven minutes, demonstrating their determination to salvage their season.
While a more comfortable victory might have been preferred, this kind of dramatic win can ignite a special run. The semifinal against Athletic Club presents another challenge, but after this comeback, Manchester United will feel capable of beating any opponent.
Tottenham Advances Past Lazio
Tottenham, despite an inconsistent season and missing Heung-min Son, managed a tight win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Dominic Solanke`s penalty was the difference after James Maddison was fouled in the box. VAR confirmed the penalty, which Solanke converted, even after a brief discussion with Ange Postecoglou regarding penalty takers.
Maddison was substituted at halftime, but Tottenham withstood Frankfurt`s pressure to secure the win and keep their season alive.
Lazio, after a 2-0 first-leg loss to Bodo/Glimt, fought back to force penalties at home. However, Taty Castellanos`s missed penalty allowed Bodo/Glimt to become the first Norwegian team to reach a European semifinal, winning the shootout 3-2 against Lazio.
Athletic Club`s dream of playing the final at home in Spain remains alive after a penalty secured victory over Rangers in the first half. While they might have wanted more goals across the tie, advancing to the semifinals is the ultimate success.
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
Benedict Kingsley