Under-fire Andre Onana was unable to stop Rayan Cherki scoring a last-gasp leveller having gifted Lyon an opener as the first leg of Manchester United’s make-or-break quarter-final ended 2-2.
A war of words on the eve of the fixture added extra spice to the biggest game of the underperforming Red Devils’ season as Nemanja Matic reacted furiously to Onana saying the Premier League team were “way better” than the French side.
Lyon’s former United midfielder retaliated by calling Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history” and the Cameroon shot-stopper did little to stop such talk when allowing Thiago Almada’s first-half free-kick to creep past him.
⏹️ We take a draw to Old Trafford.#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 10, 2025
Ruben Amorim’s men turned things around impressively and looked set to take a win back to Old Trafford after Leny Yoro’s reaction header in first-half stoppage time was followed by substitute Zirkzee heading home two minutes from time.
But more drama would follow as Cherki reacted quickest after Onana saved Georges Mikautadze’s fizzing strike in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time to spark wild celebrations inside the Groupama Stadium.
Onana was the pantomime villain throughout Thursday’s first leg, with thousands of Lyon fans hurling abuse at him as he walked around the pitch before the teams had even been announced.
That hostility continued with every touch the goalkeeper made, yet he initially looked composed as United enjoyed a positive start against the physical hosts.
Lyon just dealt with an early Bruno Fernandes free-kick and were relieved to see Rasmus Hojlund poorly snatch at a cutback, before a key block stopped Fernandes from another pullback.
Casemiro saw an audacious overhead attempt saved from the corner that followed as Lyon continued unconvincingly, only for a Noussair Mazraoui foul on Nicolas Tagliafico to give the hosts a free-kick 25 yards out on the left.
Almada curled in a right-footed cross and the touch goalward that Onana anticipated did not come, with the ball bouncing past the despairing goalkeeper and creeping in at the far post in the 25th minute.
Unproductive Hojlund saw an effort saved as he failed to provide the outlet required in a limp United response.
Leny Yoro with his first goal for Man Utd ⚽️#UEL pic.twitter.com/vlpd5IY7Xz
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 10, 2025
The impressive Mazraoui did well to stop a counter in stoppage time, which had gone past the four minutes announced when Fernandes struck a free-kick won by Alejandro Garnacho.
Lucas Perri could only push out the set-piece and Manuel Ugarte volleyed back into the box, where Yoro reacted quickly to glance an equalising header home to silence all but the pocket of United fans in the heavens.
Alexandre Lacazette missed the target moments after coming on early in a second half that United continued brightly with a blunt attack.
Defender Yoro’s strike from the edge of the box was the best they managed and Amorim turned to Zirkzee in place of hapless Hojlund.
Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso wasted a great opportunity after wriggling free to shoot straight at Onana moment later, while a fine Ugarte block set off a break that United managed to blow.
Tempers frayed as the clock wound down, with Garnacho forcing Perri into a smart save and Casemiro heading the resulting corner just wide.
Lacazette went close as both sides pushed, with the visitors finding what looked to be an 88th-minute winner.
Fernandes dug out a fine cross to the far post, where Zirkzee powered a header past Perri as opposite number Onana celebrated on his own with as much relief as delight.
But there would be a late gut punch as Mikautadze stung Onana’s palms, with Cherki coolly beating the United goalkeeper to seal a draw.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
