Manchester United break two European records in thrilling 5-4 Europa League comeback against Lyon
Published 18/04/2025 at 14:47 GMT+1
Late comebacks are synonymous with the history of Manchester United, but they took it a step further in their 5-4 win over Lyon at Old Trafford, scoring three goals in six minutes in extra-time to clinch a famous 7-6 win on aggregate. Ruben Amorim's side broke two European records in the process in a historic win that nets them a Europa League semi-final meeting with Athletic Club.
Highlights: Maguire the hero as Man Utd beat Lyon in all-time classic
Video credit: TNT Sports
Manchester United produced one of the most memorable and extraordinary European comebacks as they rallied to beat Lyon 7-6 on aggregate in their Europa League quarter-final.
After initially taking a 2-0 lead, the Reds suffered through four unanswered Lyon goals before recovering for a dramatic 5-4 win in extra time.
Harry Maguire delivered the ultimate blow with a header, just moments after Kobbie Mainoo equalised in the 120th minute to send Old Trafford into rapture.
In the matter of moments it took for Mainoo and Maguire to score, United broke two European records.
An historic comeback began in the 114th minute when Bruno Fernandes converted from the penalty spot. Mainoo and Maguire's back-to-back goals then sealed the comeback.
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But it was the first time in the history of a major European competition that a club had scored two goals in the 120th minute.
Lyon had equalised in regular time with two quick-fire goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico in the second half.
Calamity seemed to hit the Ligue 1 side when, moments before the 90 minutes were up, Tolisso was sent marching for a second yellow card.
Yet it was the hosts who cracked under pressure, and Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette scored five minutes apart in extra time to seemingly end United's season.
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Man Utd heroes Mainoo and Maguire reflect on ‘amazing comeback'
Video credit: TNT Sports
But Mainoo and Maguire's moments of heroism not only set the aforementioned record, it also marked the first time that five goals were scored in extra time of a major men's European game.
Several sides have scored four in extra time before, and the 2018 Women's Champions League final between Lyon and Wolfsburg saw them combine for five goals after regular time.
Most goals scored in extra time of European competitions:
| Fixture | Number of extra time goals scored | Competition | Date |
| Manchester United 5-4 Lyon (7-6 on agg.) | 5 | Europa League (Semi-final) | April 17 2025 |
| Lyon 4-1 Wolfsburg | 5 | Women's Champions League | May 24 2018 |
| Qarabag 7-2 Ludogorets (8-4 on agg.) | 4 | Champions League (Third qualifying round) | August 13 2024 |
| Zenit 8-1 Dinamon Minsk (8-5 on agg.) | 4 | Europa League (Third qualifying round | August 16 2018 |
| Lens 6-0 Lazio (6-2 on agg.) | 4 | UEFA Cup (Second round) | November 2 1977 |
| Stuttgart 5-3 Tatran (8-4 on agg.) | 4 | UEFA Cup (Second round) | November 7 1973 |
After their epic at Old Trafford, United now face a semi-final against Athletic Club, who have the added motivation of the final being played at their San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.
The first leg is away in Bilbao on May 1, with the return fixture coming to Old Trafford on May 8.
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