This Thursday evening, Old Trafford was the scene of an epic meeting between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais, quarter-final return of the Europa League. After a particularly contested one-way game, both teams offered a memorable show, characterized by spectacular reversals of situation and palpable tension until the last moments. Olympique Lyonnais, led by two goals at half-time, showed a remarkable ability to react to equalize at the end of the regulatory time, then even took the advantage in extension, despite a situation of numerical inferiority.

The advantage of two goals gained in overtime seemed to ensure the qualification of the Gones, but an incredible disintegration in the last minutes saw the Lyons concede three goals in record time, leading to a bitter defeat on the score of 5 to 3. The former human rights defender Rio Ferdinand was struck by the intensity and unpredictability of the match, stating that he had never seen a comparable match since he left the club. This duel marked the annals of European football, leaving behind it a feeling of frustration and regret for Olympique Lyonnais.

The victorious goal of Harry Maguire, inscribed from the head in the extra time of the extension, less than 90 seconds after the equalization of Kobbie Mainoo, sealed the fate of the encounter and illustrated the unpredictability of this exceptional evening. The performance of the two teams offered a condensed of emotions, suspense and dramatism, confirming the status of the Europa League as a competition capable of generating unforgettable moments for football fans.