Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have secured their places in the Europa League semifinals with breathtaking performances, keeping their dreams of European glory alive. United’s dramatic 7-6 aggregate victory over Olympique Lyonnais, capped by Harry Maguire’s 121st-minute header, and Tottenham’s gritty 2-1 aggregate win against Eintracht Frankfurt highlight a thrilling night of football.
Manchester United’s Heart-Stopping Victory Over Lyon
In a match that will be remembered as a classic, Manchester United staged a sensational comeback at Old Trafford to overcome Lyon in a rollercoaster quarterfinal clash. The Red Devils, leading 2-0 after first-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, saw their advantage evaporate as Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette struck in the second half, leveling the tie at 2-2 on the night.
Lyon’s hopes were dented when Corentin Tolisso received a late red card, giving United a numerical advantage in extra time. Despite Lyon regaining the lead through Cherki’s fine strike and Lacazette’s penalty, United refused to surrender. Bruno Fernandes’ spot-kick kept the hosts in contention, and Harry Maguire delivered the decisive blow with a towering header in the 121st minute, sealing a 5-4 second-leg win and a 7-6 aggregate triumph.
Harry Maguire’s last-gasp header sent Old Trafford into delirium, securing United’s place in the semifinals against Athletic Bilbao.
Tottenham’s Gritty Advance Past Frankfurt
Tottenham Hotspur, battling a dismal 15th-place standing in the Premier League, found solace in their Europa League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 aggregate victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty, awarded after a VAR review for a foul on James Maddison, proved to be the difference in a tightly contested 1-0 second-leg win.
The victory keeps Tottenham’s hopes of a first trophy since 2008 alive and offers a pathway to next season’s Champions League through Europa League success. Spurs now face a tough test in the semifinals, but their resilience against Frankfurt signals a team ready to fight for silverware.
Dominic Solanke’s confidently taken penalty in the 43rd minute secured Tottenham’s passage to the last four.
Other Semifinalists: Athletic Bilbao and Lazio
Athletic Bilbao joined the semifinal lineup with a 2-0 second-leg victory over Rangers, thanks to goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams, overturning a 0-0 first-leg draw. Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt advanced past Lazio in a dramatic tie that went to extra time, and was decided by penalties.
Manchester United will face Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals, while Tottenham will face Bodo/Glimt. Both Premier League sides have shown remarkable resilience, and their deep runs in the Europa League offer a chance to salvage challenging seasons with European silverware.
With the semifinals set to deliver more drama, fans can expect high-stakes battles as these teams vie for a place in the final and a shot at Champions League qualification.