Epic Comebacks and Historic Firsts: Europa League Delivers Football Magic

Just when it seemed Manchester United’s Europa League hopes had slipped away, the team orchestrated one of the most astonishing comebacks in European football history. Facing French side Lyon in a dramatic second-leg clash, United scored three times in the final six minutes of extra time to secure a breathtaking 7-6 aggregate win. Once poised to exit the competition after losing a two-goal lead, United pulled off a last-gasp revival at Old Trafford, reviving their dreams of lifting silverware this season.

The match began in United’s favor as Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot both found the net in the first half, giving the home side a solid advantage following a 2-2 draw in the first leg. Bruno Fernandes nearly extended that lead with a thunderous volley that rattled the crossbar. However, momentum shifted when Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso headed in a goal, followed swiftly by Nicolás Tagliafico’s equalizer, leveling the aggregate score and setting the stage for a nerve-wracking finale.

Despite Lyon being reduced to ten men after Tolisso received a second yellow card, the visitors pressed on fearlessly. Rayan Cherki’s long-range strike in the 104th minute put Lyon ahead, and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty in the second half of extra time seemed to seal the deal. With United trailing 6-4 on aggregate and time ticking away, defeat looked inevitable. But the Red Devils weren’t done yet.

The home side launched a stunning resurgence. Fernandes converted a penalty to cut the deficit, and youngster Kobbie Mainoo scored with a calm finish in the 120th minute, leveling the aggregate score. Then came the defining moment—Harry Maguire, playing in an unfamiliar striker role, rose to the occasion in stoppage time and headed in the decisive goal, sending Old Trafford into absolute chaos and completing an improbable 7-6 aggregate turnaround.

The victory meant United became the first team in European competition history to score two goals in the 120th minute, and the first to see five goals scored in extra time of a major UEFA match. Manager Ruben Amorim was emotional in his post-match comments, stating that moments like this make all the season’s frustrations worthwhile. Defender Leny Yoro echoed the amazement, calling the match "crazy" and crediting the team's resilience and belief.

Manchester United will now face Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals on May 1, while the other semifinal sees Premier League club Tottenham hosting Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt. Tottenham advanced after narrowly defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0, but all eyes are now on the surprise team from the Arctic Circle.

Bodø/Glimt shocked Italian giants Lazio to become the first Norwegian club to ever reach a European semifinal. After a 2-0 win in the first leg, the Norwegians faced intense pressure in the return fixture in Rome. Lazio clawed back with goals from Valentín Castellanos and Tijjani Noslin, pushing the tie into extra time. Boulaye Dia then put Lazio ahead, but Bodø/Glimt equalized through Andreas Helmersen before winning in a penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Nikita Haikin made two vital saves. "It’s historic, not only for our club but for all of Norwegian football," Haikin said, reflecting the pride of a team that made history under the Arctic skies.