Maguire’s Last-Gasp Header Seals Thrilling 7-6 Aggregate Win Over Lyon; Spurs and Athletic Bilbao Also Advance
In a night of heart-stopping drama, Manchester United pulled off an astonishing extra-time comeback to defeat Lyon 5-4 on the night (7-6 on aggregate) and book their place in the Europa League semi-finals, where they will face Athletic Bilbao. Captain Harry Maguire was the hero, nodding in a 122nd-minute winner to send Old Trafford into raptures after a rollercoaster clash that saw United twice surrender leads before snatching victory at the death.
United’s Wild Ride
The Red Devils looked in control early, with Manuel Ugarte’s own goal and Diogo Dalot’s strike putting them 2-0 up before halftime. Bruno Fernandes nearly added a spectacular third with a thunderous volley that rattled the crossbar. But Lyon fought back—Corentin Tolisso’s header and Nicolas Tagliafico’s controversial goal, which slipped past André Onana, leveled the tie late in normal time.
Chaos ensued in extra time. After Rayan Cherki put Lyon ahead, Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty seemingly sealed United’s fate at 6-4 on aggregate. Yet Erik ten Hag’s men refused to die. Fernandes converted a VAR-awarded penalty, substitute Kobbie Mainoo fired in a 120th-minute equalizer, and Maguire—often maligned but decisive when it mattered—rose highest to head home Casemiro’s cross in the dying seconds.
“Here, everything is possible,” said United manager Ruben Amorim. “At 4-3, after Bruno’s penalty, we felt we could change the game.”
Athletic Bilbao Awaits
United’s semi-final opponents, Athletic Bilbao, edged past Rangers 2-0 (2-0 agg.), with Oihan Sancet’s penalty and Nico Williams’ header sending the Basque side through. The final will be held at their home ground, San Mamés, adding extra motivation for their historic push.
Spurs Grind It Out
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur, struggling domestically, delivered a resilient 1-0 win in Frankfurt (2-1 agg.) to reach their first European semi-final since 2019. Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty proved decisive, sparking relief for manager Ange Postecoglou, who dedicated the win to the fans: “They’ve been through a tough time. Hopefully this gives them something to look forward to.”
Bodo/Glimt Make History
In the other semi-final, Spurs will face Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt, who stunned Lazio 3-2 on penalties after a 3-3 aggregate thriller. Andreas Helmersen’s late extra-time strike and a heroic shootout performance secured their place as the first Norwegian club ever to reach a European semi-final.
With drama like this, the Europa League’s climax promises fireworks. United’s resilience, Bilbao’s home dreams, Spurs’ redemption arc, and Bodo/Glimt’s fairytale—all roads now lead to an unforgettable finish in May.
Similar Posts:
- Amorim’s Tactical Mastermind Sparks Manchester United’s Miraculous Extra-Time Comeback
- France Advances to Euro 2024 Semis After Thrilling Penalty Shootout Win Over Portugal
- Ruben Amorim Calls for Manchester United to Rally Behind Bruno Fernandes in Pursuit of Silverware
- France Triumph Over Croatia in Thrilling Penalty Shootout to Reach Nations League Semi-Finals
- Europa League Knockout Stage Draw Revealed
