Harry Maguire’s Last-Gasp Goal Sends Manchester United to Europa League Semifinals

Unbelievable Drama at Old Trafford

In a match that will go down in Europe’s history, Manchester United stormed into the Europa League semifinals after a sensational 5-4 second-leg victory over Olympique Lyonnais, securing a 7-6 aggregate triumph. The drama unfolded until the very last kick, with Harry Maguire scoring a header in the 121st minute to spark jubilant scenes at Old Trafford.

United’s Incredible Comeback

Trailing 3-2 on aggregate going into the second leg, United needed a strong performance to overturn the deficit. The home team led 2-0 at halftime thanks to Manuel Ugarte’s early strike and Diogo Dalot’s curling effort. However, as the game entered its closing stages, nerves creeped in, and Lyon clawed their way back with goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico, making it 3-3 on the night and 4-4 on aggregate.

oles aws at full stretch as a thrilling tie entered its final moments. After Tolisso’s red card, it looked as if United could snatch a late winner, and so it proved.

Unbelievable Finishing

The final stages were a rollercoaster, with goals from Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette seemingly taking the visitors to the semis. However, Manchester United refused to yield. A Bruno Fernandes penalty reduced the arrears, and substitute Kobbie Mainoo leveled the tie in the 120th minute. Then, in stoppage time, United captain Harry Maguire rose highest to head home Casemiro’s cross, sparking incredible celebrations at Old Trafford – making Manchester United the first team to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match.

Old Trafford’s Resurgence

The Red Devils’ record at home in Europe remains formidable, despite a disappointing Premier League campaign. United had won only two of their last seven league games at Old Trafford, but Thursday’s late drama provided a reminder that they can still be a formidable force at home in Europe – a place that has not always being kind to them this season.

Maguire’s Relief and Joy

Quote: “I felt like the fourth goal for them was a sucker punch but that we’d get chances to get back into it. It fell to myself, and thankfully, I scored – it was an amazing feeling. An incredible game, we made really hard work of it.

United’s Road Ahead

With this epic victory, Manchester United will now face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semifinals. The first leg is scheduled for May 2.

Did You Know?

• Manchester United are the first club to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match.
• Old Trafford has now hosted two Europa League matches where the winning goal was scored in stoppage time this season.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for more updates on Manchester United’s Europa League campaign and other thrilling sports stories!

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