Manchester United Triumph in Extra-Time to Secure Europa Cup Semifinal Spot
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match, Manchester United triumphed over Lyon 7-6 on aggregate to reach the Europa League semifinals. Key moments included late goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, securing a memorable victory for the hosts.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester United advanced to the Europa League semifinals.
- Late extra-time goals secured the win against Lyon.
- Harry Maguire played a pivotal role in the victory.
- Alejandro Garnacho and Manuel Ugarte made significant contributions.
- Lyon showed resilience despite being down to ten men.
Manchester, April 18 (NationPress) Manchester United secured their semifinal position in the Europa League, narrowly defeating Lyon 7-6 on aggregate during the quarterfinals.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Lyon rallied from behind to lead 3-2. However, late strikes in extra time from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire clinched a remarkable 5-4 win (7-6 on aggregate) for the home team, who will now face Athletic Club in the semifinals.
United began with strong intent, taking the lead within ten minutes when Alejandro Garnacho set up Manuel Ugarte, who fired a shot past the visiting goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
United nearly doubled their advantage in the 36th minute, but the crossbar thwarted a spectacular volley from Bruno Fernandes. Nonetheless, just before halftime, Harry Maguire launched a long ball towards Diogo Dalot, who skillfully controlled and slotted it low into the far corner, as reported by Europa League.
Both goalkeepers made crucial saves early in the second half: Perri stopped a run from Garnacho, while André Onana denied Corentin Tolisso’s close-range bouncing shot.
Lyon initiated a spirited comeback with under 20 minutes left, as a series of headers in the United box enabled Tolisso to nod in. The French side equalized eight minutes later when substitute Malick Fofana delivered a cross that Nicolás Tagliafico converted, with Onana unable to prevent it from crossing the line.
Even after losing Tolisso to a second yellow card in the 89th minute, Lyon seized the lead at the end of the first extra-time period. Cherki capitalized on an intercepted ball from Fofana’s run and executed a fast, precise finish.
Alexandre Lacazette subsequently converted a penalty, but Fernandes quickly answered with a penalty of his own to lift United's spirits. In the 120th minute, Kobbie Mainoo netted a curling strike to equalize, but astonishingly, Maguire, who had advanced to a forward position, headed in a sensational winner, sealing a thrilling victory for United.
