Despite overall superior performance in the field, Olympique Lyonnais won a draw against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-final game, a result which, while preserving hope, does not give rise to an overwhelming optimism within the Rhododian club. The satisfaction of avoiding a defeat was mixed with the frustration of not having been able to realize an undeniable domination, leaving the players with the feeling of having failed at a real turning point, a potential defeat with a score of 2 to 1 having been avoided by a narrow margin. Rayan Cherki’s life-saving goal in the final moments of the game, however, made it possible to tear this precious 2-2 off, giving the Lyon team the opportunity to reverse the situation during the return match.

The challenge of the confrontation in Old Trafford is clear: a victory will be imperative to allow OL to validate their place in the last square of the European competition. The recent history of the European confrontations of Olympique Lyonnais against British opponents does not suggest anything good, with three consecutive eliminations in similar situations. In the last match with Manchester United, the Lyons had bowed to Old Trafford after a draw at Gerland. Similar disillusionments were also experienced against FC Barcelona and more recently against West Ham during the European campaign of 2022.

Thus, Paulo Fonseca’s players will have the task of breaking this set of setbacks and re-enhance the image of Olympique Lyonnais on the European stage. The prospect of a return match in Old Trafford looks formidable, but the Lyon team will have to draw on its resources and display a firm determination to reverse the course of events and qualify for the last square of the Europa League.