The Europa League semifinals are set, and Manchester United secured their place in a truly dramatic fashion, 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 seeming defeated after allowing four consecutive goals to the French side, Manchester United rallied. Goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire sealed a 5-4 victory (7-6 on aggregate) in what will be remembered as one of the most shocking games in Europa League history, featuring three goals for United in extra time.
Manchester United will now join Tottenham, Athletic Club, and Bodo/Glimt in the semifinals. In what has been a challenging season for Manchester United, this match was on the verge of becoming their worst result. The Europa League represents their only remaining path to Champions League qualification, and that path is still open thanks to this incredible comeback.
Corentin Tolisso`s red card when the score was 2-2 in regulation should have been the turning point, but the drama was just beginning. Penalty goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Bruno Fernandes heightened the tension at Old Trafford. Casemiro then stepped up, delivering a brilliant pass for Mainoo to score in the 120th minute, before providing another excellent ball to find Maguire for a header in the 121st minute. In just seven minutes, United scored three unanswered goals, demonstrating the importance of this result in their bid to salvage their season.
While the manager might have preferred a more comfortable victory earlier in the match, these are the kinds of results that can ignite something special. Facing Athletic Club in the next round will be another significant challenge for Manchester United, but after progressing from this round in such a manner, they will feel capable of overcoming any opponent in their path.
Tottenham Advance as Lazio Fall
Tottenham has experienced a rollercoaster season, but even without Heung-min Son, they managed a narrow victory over Eintracht Frankfurt thanks to a penalty from Dominic Solanke. Chances were limited in Germany, but James Maddison was fouled in the box by Frankfurt`s goalkeeper. Following a VAR review, a penalty was awarded, which Solanke converted successfully, even after a brief moment of confusion regarding penalty duties.
Maddison was substituted at halftime for Dejan Kulusevski, but Tottenham successfully weathered Frankfurt`s late pressure to secure the win and keep their season alive.
After a 2-0 defeat in the first leg in a cold match, Lazio fought back to force a penalty shootout at home. However, with Taty Castellanos missing his penalty, Bodo/Glimt made history as the first Norwegian team to reach a European semifinal, winning 3-2 on penalties against Lazio.
Athletic Club`s journey to the final, which will be played in their home stadium in Spain, continues after they overcame Rangers with a first-half penalty. The Basque club might feel they deserved more goals across the two legs, but their primary objective of advancing has been achieved.
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
All matches can be seen on Paramount+
- Tottenham vs. Bodo/Glimt
- Athletic Club vs. Manchester United
- Bodo/Glimt vs. Tottenham
- Manchester United vs. Athletic Club
