MANCHESTER — In a night that will be etched into Old Trafford folklore, Manchester United conjured one of the most extraordinary comebacks in their illustrious history, scoring twice in the final minute of extra time to secure a 5-4 aggregate win over Lyon and book a place in the semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao.
Trailing 4-2 on aggregate and seemingly down and out, United supporters were leaving in droves when a dramatic sequence of events sparked a revival that echoed the club’s most iconic triumphs.
The Red Devils had looked in control early on in the second leg, holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg. But Lyon, reduced to ten men after the dismissal of Nicolás Tagliafico in the 68th minute, turned the game on its head.
The visitors stunned the home crowd with two quick goals in the space of seven minutes to draw level on aggregate, before finding the net twice more in extra time to seize what looked like a commanding 4-2 lead.
With six minutes remaining and United’s European hopes hanging by a thread, Bruno Fernandes reignited belief from the penalty spot.
The decision came following a VAR review for a foul on Casemiro that had initially gone unnoticed by the referee. Fernandes converted coolly, bringing the aggregate to 4-3 and sending a surge of hope through the stands.
As the clock ticked into the final minute of extra time, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo delivered what may be remembered as his defining breakthrough moment.
Showing composure far beyond his years, the young midfielder curled a sublime shot into the bottom corner to bring United level at 4-4 on aggregate.
Yet even then, United refused to settle for penalties.
With legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson watching from the stands, United produced a finale reminiscent of their 1999 Champions League miracle in Barcelona.
Casemiro, instrumental throughout, floated a perfect ball into the box, where makeshift striker Harry Maguire, pushed forward in desperation, rose above the Lyon defence to nod home the winner.
The eruption inside Old Trafford was thunderous. Substitutes, coaches, and players flooded the pitch in celebration as disbelief swept through the stadium.
What began as a night of frustration and near collapse had turned into a thrilling resurrection, fuelled by grit, courage, and a refusal to surrender.
United manager Ruben Amorim hailed the spirit of his side, saying: “This club is built on moments like this. When we were staring at defeat, we found belief and character. I’m incredibly proud of every single player.”
The victory sends United into the semi-finals, where they will face Spain’s Athletic Bilbao in what promises to be another fierce battle.
For now, though, the red half of Manchester will be basking in the glory of one of Old Trafford’s most unforgettable nights — a reminder that in football, especially at this storied club, it’s never over until the final whistle.
