With just over 109 minutes played at Old Trafford, Alexandre Lacazette appeared to end Manchester United’s hopes of progressing in Europe. His goal gave Lyon a 4-2 lead on the night and a 6-4 advantage on aggregate. Thousands of home supporters began to leave, convinced the tie was over.
TNT Sports commentator Rio Ferdinand captured the mood, saying United required more than a miracle. What followed, however, stunned even the most seasoned viewers.
Bruno Fernandes, a rare consistent performer this season, converted a penalty after Casemiro was fouled during a chaotic moment in the box. That left six minutes to find another goal. In the final minute of extra time, Kobbie Mainoo curled a brilliant shot into the bottom corner, leveling the tie on aggregate.
Before the game could head to penalties, Harry Maguire rose to head in the winner. The defender, often criticized in recent years, sprinted away in joy as the stadium erupted.
Players, fans and pundits stunned by unbelievable comeback
The scenes at Old Trafford left spectators in disbelief. Rio Ferdinand, who once wore the red shirt himself, called the turnaround “outrageous,” recalling the moment fans had begun exiting the stadium at 4-2. For him, the events that followed made him a believer in miracles.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson echoed that sentiment on BBC Radio 5 Live, calling the atmosphere surreal. He described stewards, players, and fans all on the pitch in celebration. Onana, United’s goalkeeper, ran laps around the field in euphoria. Robinson said he hadn’t seen that kind of spirit from the team all year.
According to UEFA statistics, this was the first time five goals had been scored in extra time of a European knockout match. Paul Scholes, who watched from the TNT Sports studio, drew comparisons to United’s famous wins of the past. He said Old Trafford has always had the feeling that anything can happen.
Defender Leny Yoro summed it up in his post-match comments. He admitted he couldn’t explain what unfolded but credited the home fans for pushing the team on. Even at 4-2, he said the belief remained strong – and belief was what made the impossible possible.
United are struggling domestically, sitting 14th in the Premier League and heading for a historically low points tally. But this result offers them renewed purpose. If they can overcome Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, they’ll reach the final at San Mames. Victory there would secure a Champions League place for next season.
For now, though, supporters are likely to remember this night more than any future implications. The comeback, the chaos, the celebrations – it was a night for the history books.
