On Thursday evening, in Old Trafford, an evening was held which will mark the history of European football and, more particularly, that of Olympique Lyonnais. The elimination of OL against Manchester United in the Europa League, with a score of 5-4 after prolongation, is now among the club’s bitterest European defeats, competing with the past failures against Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester City. After two seasons of absence, Lyon’s return to the continental scene had aroused the hope of a historic achievement, that of joining Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain at the pantheon of French clubs crowned on the Vieux Continent.

OL had been able to stand out during the preliminary stages, showing an undeniable mastery despite some weaknesses. The confrontation with Manchester United, which was a highlight of the history of the English club and its legendary stadium atmosphere, was a potentially decisive turning point. Sixteen minutes from the end, Olympique Lyonnais seemed to hold the long-awaited feat. Yet, this perspective has faded into bitter disappointment, exacerbated by the cruelty of a scenario that recalls the cruel eliminations that have passed. Despite the numerical inferiority, the Lyon team had twice managed to silence Old Trafford in an extension, creating the illusion of imminent success.

The disappointment was palpable, as the team seemed to have control of the game, especially after Alexandre Lacazette converted a penalty. This event had even convinced many spectators, even some of the supporters of Mancuna, of the favorable outcome of the match. This elimination once again raises the question of a glass ceiling that seems to be holding back Lyon ambitions on the European stage. Despite this painful reality, OL management and players must look to the future, continuing their efforts to hope to relive the magical and tragic European evenings and, above all, to break this glass ceiling that prevents them from reaching the summit.