What was supposed to be a confident night for Manchester United turned into a tense, dramatic battle in Lyon, ending in a nail-biting 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.
Despite all the build-up, the match didn’t quite reflect United’s pre-game bravado—especially not Andre Onana’s.
The keeper had boldly claimed United were far superior to Lyon, but the reality on the pitch was far more balanced—and at times, shaky—for the visitors.
Onana’s Words Come Back to Haunt Him
It was a rough night for United’s keeper Andre Onana, and not just because of the goals.
Ahead of the match, he found himself embroiled in a very public spat with ex-United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who slammed Onana as one of the worst keepers in the club’s history.
Onana brushed it off, pointing out he’s actually won silverware with United—unlike Matic—but the pressure was clearly building.
And when Lyon took the lead in the first half thanks to Thiago Almada’s curling free-kick that glided past Onana untouched, those words from Matic suddenly carried more weight.
It was the kind of moment that made fans and critics alike raise eyebrows, especially considering the similar goal Onana conceded against Ipswich not too long ago.
United Respond Before the Break
Despite the early hiccup, United kept their heads in the game.
The hosts were fired up from the start—especially after their fans unveiled a giant banner that read, “Honour this coat of arms and fight like lions.” And fight they did.
Lyon applied plenty of pressure early on, but United began to carve out chances of their own.
Rasmus Hojlund missed a clear opportunity, and Bruno Fernandes saw his shot deflected just over the bar.
Still, it was Lyon who seemed more dangerous as half-time approached.
But right before the whistle, United found a way back. Fernandes whipped in a free-kick, which Lyon’s keeper Lucas Perri could only push away.
Manuel Ugarte was first to react, sending the ball back into the danger zone where Leny Yoro nodded it in—his first goal in a United shirt, and a timely one at that.
A Wild Finish Full of Twists
The second half picked up right where the first left off—fast, fiery, and unpredictable.
Lyon’s Georges Mikautadze continued to torment United’s defense, while Yoro—clearly buzzing from his earlier goal—almost struck again with a low shot that skimmed just wide.
Then came the big moment for United. In the 88th minute, Bruno Fernandes floated in a cross to the far post.
Joshua Zirkzee, who had come off the bench, peeled away from his defender and placed a precise header past Perri to put United ahead.
It looked like the job was done, and United fans were already thinking ahead to the second leg at Old Trafford. But Lyon weren’t finished.
Cherki Stuns United with Last-Gasp Equalizer
Just when United thought they’d walk away with a win, disaster struck.
In the dying seconds of injury time, Mikautadze got a shot off that Onana couldn’t hold onto.
The loose ball fell perfectly for Rayan Cherki, who coolly lifted it over the scrambling keeper to make it 2-2.
It was a gut-punch for United—and especially Onana, who had hoped to prove a point.
Instead, the late goal left United with work still to do at home.
Crowd Chaos, Metro Mess, and a Fierce Atmosphere
United’s traveling supporters had their own challenges to deal with.
Due to a breakdown in Lyon’s metro and tram systems, many fans were delayed getting to the stadium.
Some even had to collect wristbands at a venue miles from the Groupama Stadium just to gain entry.
But inside, the energy was electric. The Lyon faithful created a ferocious atmosphere from the opening whistle, jeering Onana relentlessly and cheering every tackle with thunderous approval.
Looking Ahead: Still All to Play For
While a 2-2 draw in France isn’t a bad result by any means, Manchester United know they left the door open for Lyon.
The return leg at Old Trafford is still theirs to control, and they’ll be slight favorites thanks to those two away goals.
But one thing’s for sure—Lyon won’t roll over. They proved their grit, and Rúben Amorim’s side, still unbeaten in Europe, won’t go down without a fight.
For now, it’s advantage United… but only just.