Manchester United vs Lyon: A Crucial Europa League Decider Awaits at Old Trafford
Mid-week football rarely disappoints, and this week’s UEFA Europa League clash between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais is no exception. As the two sides prepare for their quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday night, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The first leg ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw on April 10, leaving everything to play for as both clubs look to book their spot in the semifinals.
United had a real opportunity to claim an away win but were let down by a critical goalkeeping error. Lyon took the lead just 25 minutes into the match when Thiago Almada’s long-range free-kick — initially aimed as a hopeful ball into the box — surprisingly ended up in the back of the net. The ball bounced and grazed the gloves of Andre Onana, whose dive was well-timed but not effective enough to stop the goal.
Despite that early setback, Manchester United responded before the break. After Alejandro Garnacho won a free kick just outside the box on the right, Bruno Fernandes delivered a teasing ball into the area. Lyon’s goalkeeper managed to punch it away, but Manuel Ugarte’s volley from the edge of the box found Leny Yoro, who nodded it into the goal to level the score.
As the match approached its final minutes, United appeared to have secured a vital win. Joshua Zirkzee connected with a well-placed cross and scored a stunning header in the 88th minute. However, their joy was short-lived. A scrappy passage of play near the United goal led to a rebound opportunity, and Lyon’s Rayan Cherki calmly chipped the ball past Onana to restore parity and set up a nail-biting second leg.
With the aggregate score level, both sides will be eager to push for a decisive result on Thursday. Manchester United will aim to use their home advantage at Old Trafford, while Lyon hopes to capitalize on their attacking strengths and United’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Current Form and Schedule
Ahead of the Europa League return leg, Manchester United will first travel to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle United. The Red Devils are expected to rotate their squad in that Premier League clash to keep their top players fresh for the European encounter.
Lyon, on the other hand, came into the first leg off a 2-1 Ligue 1 victory over Lille. They currently sit fifth in the French league with 48 points. Before heading to England, they’ll play another domestic match away against AJ Auxerre.
Injury and Absence Updates
Manchester United:
Matthijs de Ligt is still out due to an ankle injury sustained against Nottingham Forest. He completed that match but has been sidelined since and missed the first leg against Lyon.
Kobbie Mainoo made a brief return in the first leg and could be involved again.
Other confirmed absentees include Lisandro Martinez (knee), Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven (both ankle), Toby Collyer (leg), and Jonny Evans (back).
Lyon:
Ernest Nuamah is out for the rest of the season after tearing his ACL just seven minutes into their match against Lille.
Malick Fofana is another long-term absentee due to a knee injury.
Head-to-Head Record
This quarter-final matchup marked the fifth time Manchester United and Lyon have faced each other in European competition. Prior to this season, they met in the Champions League in 2004 and 2008. United won two of those matches, with the other two ending in draws.
Predicted Starting XIs
Manchester United:
Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Eriksen, Dorgu; Fernandes, Zirkzee, Højlund
Olympique Lyonnais:
Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico; Tessmann, Matic; Cherki, Tolisso, Almada; Mikautadze
Match Outlook and Prediction
With their domestic form faltering and their season hanging in the balance, Manchester United will be desperate to advance in Europe. However, Lyon appears to be the slightly favored side heading into the second leg, holding a 47.01% predicted chance of victory. Manchester United’s probability of winning at home is estimated at 32.09%.
The match promises to be a gripping affair, with both teams aware that a single lapse could cost them a shot at the semifinals. Defensive discipline and goalkeeping performance — especially from Onana — will be key factors in determining who moves forward in the competition.