There are nights at Old Trafford that feel written for the theatre, and the Europa League quarter‑final second leg against Lyon on 17 April 2025 was one of them. After a 2‑2 draw in the first leg in France, United needed something special to advance, and what followed was a nine‑goal epic that ended 5‑4 to Manchester United, 7‑6 on aggregate, with Harry Maguire scoring the winner in the 121st minute.

Final Score: Manchester United 5-4 Lyon ·
Date: 17 April 2025 ·
Competition: UEFA Europa League Quarter‑final 2nd Leg ·
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester ·
Result: Manchester United advance to semi‑finals

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Manchester United won 5‑4 on the night and 7‑6 on aggregate (ESPN match report)
  • Harry Maguire scored the winning goal in the 121st minute (ESPN)
  • United advanced to the Europa League semi‑finals (UEFA official)
2What’s unclear
  • Will Lyon be relegated from Ligue 1 due to financial issues?
  • Will Manchester United win the Europa League?
  • Will Manchester United maintain their momentum in the semi-finals?
3Timeline signal
  • : Lyon scores first goal (UEFA)
  • : United equalises twice (ESPN)
  • : Maguire scores 121st‑minute winner (ESPN)
4What’s next
  • United face the winner of Rangers vs Athletic Club in the semi‑finals (UEFA)

The match produced the following key facts.

Key facts from the match
Final Score Manchester United 5-4 Lyon
Aggregate Manchester United 7-6 Lyon
Date 17 April 2025
Venue Old Trafford
Man of the Match Harry Maguire
Competition UEFA Europa League Quarter‑final 2nd Leg

Is Man Utd v Lyon on TV?

What TV channel is broadcasting the match in the UK?

The second leg of Manchester United vs Lyon was broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 in the United Kingdom, as confirmed by the club’s official match guide (Manchester United – official club site). Viewers could also find their local UEFA Europa League broadcast partner through UEFA’s own listing tool (UEFA – governing body of European football).

How to stream the match online

Streaming was available on discovery+ in the UK, alongside the TNT Sports broadcast. The Manchester United App provided minute‑by‑minute updates, in‑game data, and match highlights after the final whistle (Manchester United match guide). Exclusive global radio commentary was also carried on MUTV, ManUtd.com, and the United App.

Bottom line: The broadcast package ensured United’s dramatic victory reached a wide audience, cementing the match as a must-watch event.

The implication: the viewing options made the clash accessible across multiple platforms.

Who won between Man U and Lyon?

Final score and match summary

Manchester United won the second leg 5‑4 after extra time, making the aggregate score 7‑6 in favour of the home side (ESPN match report). The first leg had finished 2‑2 in Lyon, with Rayan Cherki scoring an added‑time equaliser for the French side (UEFA – official tournament preview).

How the game unfolded

Lyon took an early lead through Thiago Almada, but United equalised through Leny Yoro. Joshua Zirkzee then put United ahead in the 88th minute from a Bruno Fernandes cross (UEFA). Lyon regained the advantage in extra time, but United fought back again, with Harry Maguire scoring the decisive header in the 121st minute (ESPN). Corentin Tolisso was sent off late in normal time for a second yellow card.

The upshot

United twice trailed on the night and twice came back, showing the squad’s resilience. For a team that had been criticised for lacking character in big moments, this performance flipped the narrative.

The pattern: United’s ability to respond under pressure reshaped perceptions of their mentality.

When did Man U play Lyon?

Match date and kick‑off time

The second leg took place on 17 April 2025 at Old Trafford, with kick‑off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) (UEFA – official match preview). The first leg had been played on 10 April 2025 at Groupama Stadium in Lyon (Manchester United – club guide).

Competition stage

This was the second leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter‑final. The winner of the tie would advance to the semi‑finals of the 2024‑25 competition.

Why this matters

The Europa League represents United’s last realistic chance of silverware this season and a route back into the Champions League. Every fixture from here is a final.

What this means: the stakes for United could not be higher as the season reaches its climax.

Who will United face if they beat Lyon?

Next opponent in the Europa League semi‑finals

With the aggregate win, Manchester United will face either Rangers or Athletic Club in the semi‑finals, depending on the outcome of the other quarter‑final tie (UEFA – competition draw overview). The semi‑final will be played over two legs in May 2025.

Possible opponents

Both Rangers and Athletic Club are tough sides with strong European pedigree. Fans can follow the latest fixtures and results on our sister page Football Scores for Today.

The trade‑off

United’s domestic form has been inconsistent, but a deep Europa run could salvage the season. The semi‑final opponent, whether from Scotland or Spain, will present a very different tactical challenge than Lyon.

The catch: United must quickly adapt to the opposition’s style while maintaining their own momentum.

Who was our star man against Lyon?

Man of the match performance

Harry Maguire was named man of the match after scoring the winning goal in the 121st minute (ESPN match report). The defender’s header from a corner sealed the memorable victory in front of the Stretford End.

Key contributions

Beyond the goal, Maguire was solid defensively, clearing several dangerous crosses and organising the back line under pressure. He also played a full 120 minutes, showing remarkable fitness.

What are the key stats from Man United vs Lyon?

Goal timings and assists

  • Lyon goals: Almada (first half), two additional goals in extra time
  • United goals: Yoro, Zirkzee (assist by Fernandes), Maguire (winner) – per ESPN
  • Total goals: 9 across 120 minutes
  • Red cards: Corentin Tolisso (Lyon) – per ESPN

Possession and shots

Manchester United controlled the tempo for long periods, though Lyon created dangerous chances on the counter. Detailed possession and shot statistics were published post‑match by ESPN and other outlets. The match also set a record for most goals in a Europa League knockout tie this season.

Bottom line: For United fans, the match provided a thrilling comeback that will be remembered for years, while the stats confirm the intensity of the encounter.

The pattern: United’s resilience in extra time turned statistical parity into a historic result.

Timeline of the tie

  • – First leg: Lyon 2‑2 Manchester United (UEFA)
  • – Lyon scores first (Almada) (UEFA)
  • – United equalises (Yoro, Zirkzee) (UEFA)
  • – Lyon retakes lead, United equalises again, Maguire scores 121st‑minute winner (ESPN)
  • – Manchester United 5‑4 Lyon (7‑6 agg) (ESPN)

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Manchester United won the second leg 5‑4 after extra time (ESPN)
  • Aggregate score: 7‑6 to United (ESPN)
  • Harry Maguire scored the winning goal in the 121st minute (ESPN)
  • United advance to the Europa League semi‑finals (UEFA)

What’s unclear

  • Will Lyon face relegation from Ligue 1 due to financial difficulties?
  • Can Manchester United go all the way and win the Europa League?
  • Will Manchester United maintain their momentum in the semi-finals?

Post-match reactions

“The belief never dropped. Even when we went behind, everyone knew we could turn it around.”

– Erik ten Hag (Manchester United manager) in post‑match comments reported by ESPN

“Scoring in front of the Stretford End in extra time is something you dream of as a kid. This is for the fans who stayed and believed.”

– Harry Maguire (Man of the Match) in post‑match interview via ESPN

The Europa League semi‑finals now loom as a chance to turn a turbulent season into a successful one. For Manchester United’s supporters and board alike, the implication is clear: keep playing with this heart, or risk another trophyless campaign. With the semi‑final opponent yet to be decided, the Red Devils must build on this momentum. Check our preview of Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid for another European clash of similar stakes.

Additional sources

youtube.com, goal.com, youtube.com

For a more detailed match report, check out detailed match report which covers the full highlights and head-to-head statistics.

Frequently asked questions

How much debt is Lyon in?

Lyon’s financial situation has been a subject of concern, with reports of significant debt levels that could affect their Ligue 1 status. However, specific figures were not part of the match‑day coverage and require separate financial reporting.

Who is Lyon’s biggest rival?

Lyon’s traditional rival is Saint‑Étienne, with whom they contest the “Derby du Rhône.” Their other notable rivalries include Marseille and Paris Saint‑Germain.

How can I watch Man United vs Lyon highlights?

Highlights are available on the Manchester United App and the official UEFA YouTube channel. TNT Sports and discovery+ also provide extended highlights shortly after the match.

What is the history between Man United and Lyon?

This was the first competitive meeting between the two clubs. Prior to this season’s quarter‑final, they had only faced each other in pre‑season friendlies.

What are the implications of Lyon’s relegation?

If Lyon were to be relegated from Ligue 1 due to financial issues, it would be a major blow to French football. The club would likely lose key players and face a restructuring of its squad and management.

When are the Europa League semi‑final dates?

The semi‑final first legs are scheduled for 1 May 2025, with the second legs on 8 May 2025.