In a thrilling Europa League quarter-final match, Harry Maguire scored the winning header in extra time, helping Manchester United secure a 5-4 victory over Lyon. This win gave them a 7-6 aggregate triumph and a spot in the semi-finals, where they will face Athletic Bilbao. The game at Old Trafford was filled with excitement as United mounted an incredible comeback after Lyon seemed poised to progress.
Early Goals and a Late Lyon Fightback
United took the lead early in the match with a 10th-minute goal from Manuel Ugarte, followed by Diogo Dalot’s goal in first-half injury time. Bruno Fernandes almost added another with a stunning volley that hit the bar. Lyon, however, didn’t back down. Corentin Tolisso’s header in the 71st minute brought them back into the game, and Nicolas Tagliafico’s shot crossed the line after a controversial moment involving goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Extra Time Drama and United’s Resilience
Lyon’s hopes were high when they took a 3-2 lead through Rayan Cherki in the 105th minute and then Alexandre Lacazette scored a penalty in the 110th minute, giving Lyon a 4-2 lead. However, United responded quickly. Fernandes converted a penalty after a foul on Casemiro, and Kobbie Mainoo scored in the 120th minute to level the tie. Maguire then delivered the final blow with a powerful header, sending United into the semi-finals.
Manager’s Reaction to the Comeback
Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, expressed his joy after the match, praising the team’s resilience and the incredible atmosphere at Old Trafford. “At 4-3, after the Bruno Fernandes penalty, we felt we could change the game,” he said.
Athletic Bilbao Advance with a Win Over Rangers
Athletic’s Victory at Home
Athletic Bilbao triumphed 2-0 over Rangers to secure their place in the Europa League semi-finals. After a goalless draw in the first leg in Glasgow, the Basque team moved ahead in stoppage time during the first half with a penalty converted by Oihan Sancet. In the second half, Nico Williams sealed the victory with a header from Oscar De Marcos’ cross.
Aiming for the Final
Athletic Bilbao are eager to reach the final, which will be held at their home stadium, San Mames, on May 21. Their strong performance in this round puts them in a great position to compete for the trophy.
Tottenham Hotspur Reach Semi-Finals After Beating Frankfurt
A Tight Win Over Frankfurt
Tottenham Hotspur secured a 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, advancing with a 2-1 aggregate score. The match in Germany saw Dominic Solanke score the only goal of the game, converting a penalty after Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos fouled James Maddison.
Looking Forward to the Semi-Final
Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, shared his excitement, saying, “Our fans have been through a tough time. Hopefully, this gives them something to look forward to.” This marks Tottenham’s first European semi-final appearance since their 2019 Champions League run.
Bodo/Glimt Make History by Reaching Semi-Finals
A Penalty Shootout Victory Over Lazio
Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt stunned Lazio by winning 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the two teams drew 3-3 on aggregate. Lazio had a strong start, with Taty Castellanos scoring the first goal of the night. However, Bodo/Glimt fought back with a late goal from Tijani Noslin and then a header from Andreas Helmersen. Despite a red card, Bodo/Glimt won the shootout when Lazio missed their third penalty.
First Norwegian Team in a European Semi-Final
Bodo/Glimt created history by becoming the first Norwegian team to reach a European semi-final after a dramatic clash with Lazio. The tie ended 3-3 on aggregate, and Bodo/Glimt held their nerve to win 3-2 in the penalty shootout.
Late Drama Forces Extra Time
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Lazio started strongly and scored early through Taty Castellanos. A stoppage-time goal from Tijani Noslin leveled the aggregate score, forcing the match into extra time. Boulaye Dia then gave Lazio the lead again with a header in the 100th minute.
