Man United pull off surreal ET comeback to stun Lyon, reach UEL semis
Add another famous comeback to Manchester United's Rolodex.
The Red Devils staged a sensational rally Thursday to reach the Europa League semifinals, scoring three goals in seven surreal minutes during the second period of extra time to stun Lyon at Old Trafford.
United, who appeared to have crumbled after throwing away a two-goal lead earlier in the match, ultimately came away with a dramatic 5-4 win on the night and 7-6 triumph on aggregate that left the Ligue 1 team shellshocked.
After conceding four unanswered goals to the French side in the second leg, including two in extra time that gave Lyon a 6-4 aggregate lead, Manchester United tapped into their storied past to storm back.
Bruno Fernandes converted from the penalty spot in the 114th minute to initiate the revival for Ruben Amorim's men. Substitute Kobbie Mainoo brought them level with an exquisite goal in the 120th minute, and, seconds later, Harry Maguire thumped home a header to decide the tie and elicit a roar not heard from the Old Trafford crowd in some time.
It's the first time ever that a club has scored two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match, according to Opta.
Manchester United will face Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals of the competition. Bilbao beat Rangers in their quarterfinal tie and are aiming to take part in a tournament final that's being staged at their own San Mames Stadium.
"I felt that here everything is possible," Amorim said after the match, according to Agence France-Presse. "After the 4-3, the penalty from Bruno, you feel that you can change the game."
He added: "Everybody in this moment believes it is possible. One moment can change a lot of things in the players' minds."
When Amorim's team was leading 2-0 on Thursday and 4-2 on aggregate after first-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, it appeared as though a straightforward result was on the cards.
But Corentin Tolisso got the French side's own comeback started with a goal in the 71st minute before Nicolas Tagliafico silenced Old Trafford six minutes later by making it 2-2 on the night.
Tolisso was sent off for a second yellow card in the 89th minute, which should've swung the momentum in the home side's favor.
Instead, it was Lyon who came out flying in extra time.
Rayan Cherki gave them the lead with a fierce low strike, and then, when former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette scored a penalty kick in the 109th minute, it seemed as though United's capitulation was complete.
But the Premier League outfit saved its season with three late goals, keeping alive the club's hopes of appearing in next season's Champions League and earning the revenue that will be vital for a squad that badly needs to be rebuilt.
"In this moment it is difficult to believe what has just happened," said Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca after the crushing loss.
Manchester United, enduring one of their worst domestic seasons in the Premier League era, are currently 14th in the table.