Lyon's Early Celebrations Prompted Manchester United's Stunning Comeback: Maguire
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Synopsis
Manchester United's Harry Maguire stated that Lyon's premature celebrations motivated the team to overcome a two-goal deficit in extra time, culminating in a historic comeback at Old Trafford with a pivotal late header from Maguire.
Key Takeaways
- Lyon's celebrations inspired United's comeback.
- Maguire scored the winning header.
- United overcame a 2-4 deficit in extra time.
- Cherki and Lacazette scored for Lyon.
- Mainoo equalized just before the end.
Manchester, April 18 (NationPress) Manchester United defender Harry Maguire believes that the premature celebrations of Olympique Lyonnais, following Alexandre Lacazette's penalty, motivated the team to stage a remarkable comeback after being two goals down in extra time. Despite being behind 2-4, due to two goals from Lyon during extra time, United rallied at Old Trafford to achieve a historic turnaround, with Maguire netting the decisive goal via a late header.
“They thought they had secured the victory, judging by their celebrations. That fueled our determination to change the outcome of the match. The most difficult feeling was realizing that we had almost let it slip away, rather than simply losing it at that moment, and reflecting on how we got into that predicament. Even entering extra time at 2-2, the momentum had shifted back to us following the sending-off,” Maguire shared as reported by the Daily Mail.
Despite losing Tolisso to a second yellow card in the 89th minute, Lyon managed to take the lead at the end of the first period of extra time when Cherki capitalized on an intercepted ball after Fofana's run and executed a quick, precise finish.
Then, Lacazette extended Lyon's lead from the penalty spot, only for Fernandes to swiftly bring United back into contention with a penalty of his own. In the 120th minute, Kobbie Mainoo equalized with a remarkable curling strike, but astonishingly, there was still time for Maguire, who had taken on a center-forward role, to head in a spectacular winner, sealing a thrilling victory for United.
Maguire reflected on his winning goal in what he described as the “strangest and craziest game” he has ever participated in, admitting he would have struggled to articulate his feelings had United fallen victim to Lyon's comeback.
“Scoring that winner in such a significant match, filled with emotion, was an unbelievable feeling. I think the lads demonstrated incredible spirit and resilience to turn the game around in the end.
“This season has been challenging for everyone involved – the fans, the players, and the staff. It has not been up to par, but moments and memories like this are vital for the fans, allowing them to leave with smiles on their faces. I can’t even begin to imagine how I would have felt discussing a 4-2 defeat here,” he added.
