Man United stun Lyon in nine-goal Europa League classic to reach semis
MANCHESTER: Manchester United came from 4-2 down in extra-time to beat Lyon 5-4 in a remarkable Europa League quarter-final to progress 7-6 on aggregate on Thursday. United’s season looked over when Lyon came from 2-0 down to lead by two goals with just six minutes remaining at Old Trafford despite having captain Corentin Tolisso sent-off. However, a Bruno Fernandes’ penalty, Kobbie Mainoo’s strike and Harry Maguire’s header capped a stunning finale to set up a semifinal meeting with Athletic Bilbao. The Red Devils sit 14th in the English top flight and defeat would have almost certainly meant missing out on European football entirely next season. Instead they are just three games away from a European trophy and the lifeline of direct access to the riches of the Champions League next season. First-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot had put United in a commanding position. But the defensive deficiencies and mental fragility of Ruben Amorim’s side were exposed in a collapse that threatened to cap a miserable campaign. Two goals in seven minutes from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico brought Lyon level. Tolisso was then sent-off for two yellow cards in the 89th minute. The 10 men still looked set to prevail in the extra 30 minutes thanks to a brilliant strike from Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty. United’s history is build on dramatic late fightbacks but few have been more remarkable than this to leave Lyon shellshocked. The home side got off to a flying start thanks to a fine team goal as Fernandes released Alejandro Garnacho down the right and his cross picked out Ugarte to slot in just his second goal since joining the English giants form Paris Saint-Germain. Amorim’s decision to restore
