Manchester United and Tottenham keep seasons alive with Europa League heroics

On a dramatic night of Europa League soccer, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur revived their faltering campaigns with spirited victories that booked their places in the semi-finals. 

With domestic inconsistency clouding their seasons, Thursday night offered a lifeline — one both clubs grabbed with determination.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United staged one of the most breathtaking comebacks in recent European memory. Tied 2–2 on aggregate after the first leg in Lyon, Erik ten Hag’s side raced into a 2–0 lead on the night through goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, taking full control of the tie. But Lyon responded through Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico, forcing extra time with the aggregate level at 4–4.

The chaos continued into the additional 30 minutes. Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette struck in quick succession to put Lyon 4–2 up on the night, 6-4 on aggregate, and seemingly out of reach. But United had other ideas. 

Bruno Fernandes pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 114th minute before teenager Kobbie Mainoo drew the aggregate level again at 6–6 with a composed finish in the 120th. Then, in added time, Harry Maguire powered home a dramatic header to seal a 7–6 aggregate triumph.

"The sound in the stadium for Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire's goals was the best sound I have ever [heard]," said under-pressure head coach Ruben Amorim to TNT Sports, via Sky Sports.

"A lot of people want to keep shirts, I just want to keep that sound. It is the best sound in the world. I feel for the people that had to leave when it was 4-2 because of the traffic. They will be gutted."