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In one of the greatest comebacks of all-time in the world of football, Harry Maguire scored a late winner in the second half of extra-time, helping Manchester United defeat Lyon 5-4 in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) quarter-finals. With his incredible goal, which tore the house down at Old Trafford, Harry Maguire also played a key role in securing a spot for Manchester United in the semi-finals of the UEL with a 7-6 aggregate scoreline.
With the first leg of the UEL quarter-finals ending 2-2 in France last week, it was all to play for both Manchester United and Lyon, to make it through to the next round of the tournament. The Red Devils got an early lead with a Manuel Ugarte strike in the 10th minute, and they made it 2-0 when Diogo Dalot smashed it in just before the first half came to a close, putting the hosts in great position to reach the semi-finals.
Manchester United controlled the match for the better part of second half, but Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso pulled one back in the 71st minute after the ball fell kindly in his path, and then, the pressure of preserving the lead told on the hosts as Nicolas Tagliafico made it 2-2 just six minutes later. In the closing stage of the match, with both teams searching for a winner, Corentin Tolisso was sent off after receiving a second yellow for the challenge on Leny Yoro.
Manchester United went two goals down with just over 10 minutes to play in extra-time
The extra-time did come around, and Lyon shocked Manchester United faithfuls at Old Trafford by not only scoring once but twice while playing with 10 men through the likes of Rayan Chekri and Alexander Lacazette either side of the half, making it 4-2 on the night. With just over 10 minutes left to save their season, Manchester United got into action first with a penalty from captain Bruno Fernandes.
With a goal down and a minute left on the clock in the extra-time, Kobbie Mainoo came to Manchester United’s rescue with a clinical finish, levelling it up 4-4 on the night in the 120th minute. But the Red Devils weren’t settling for the penalties as Harry Maguire, who was used as a false nine by manager Ruben Amorim, scored the fifth goal on the night for his team in the injury time of the second half extra-time, heading the ball into the back of the net via a delightful cross from Casemiro, to send the Old Trafford into complete ecstasy.
Manchester United will be playing Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals of the UEL 2024-24 early next month, starting with the away leg in Spain.
