Manchester United reach Europa League semifinals
Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, United failed to maintain the advantage and found themselves trailing by two goals during extra time.
KATHMANDU: Manchester United have secured a dramatic spot in the UEFA Europa League semifinals, edging past Lyon with a 5-4 win in the second leg on Thursday, advancing 7-6 on aggregate.
After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, the quarterfinal tie was delicately poised. At Old Trafford, the second leg ended 2-2 in regular time, pushing the match into extra time where the real drama unfolded with five additional goals.
Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, United failed to maintain the advantage and found themselves trailing by two goals during extra time.
But in a stunning turnaround, the Red Devils clawed back to complete an incredible victory.
Harry Maguire netted the decisive goal in the dying moments, heading in from a Casemiro cross to seal the win.
Earlier in the match, Manuel Ugarte, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo were also on target for United.
For Lyon, Corentin Tolisso, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rayan Cherki, and Alexandre Lacazette found the net.
Tolisso, who had scored in the 71st minute, was sent off in the 89th after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Lyon under pressure in the final moments.
In other quarterfinal results, Tottenham Hotspur, Athletic Club, and Lazio also advanced to the semifinals.
