April 11, 2025 – The Europa League and Conference League quarterfinal first legs delivered thrilling action across Europe, with late goals, stunning strikes, and commanding performances shaping the ties ahead of next week’s second legs.
Manchester United Stunned by Late Lyon Equalizer
Manchester United’s hopes of securing a first-leg advantage in their Europa League quarterfinal were dashed as Olympique Lyonnais snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw in France. United, the only unbeaten side in this season’s competition, thought they had sealed victory when substitute Joshua Zirkzee headed home an 88th-minute cross from captain Bruno Fernandes. However, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki capitalized on a rebound deep into stoppage time to rescue a vital draw for the hosts.
The Red Devils had earlier fought back from a deficit. Thiago Almada’s curling free kick gave Lyon the lead, sneaking past goalkeeper Andre Onana at the far post. United responded just before halftime when Leny Yoro nodded in after a Fernandes free kick was cleared by Lyon’s Lucas Perri.
For United, who sit 13th in the Premier League, winning the Europa League—last claimed in 2017—offers a critical pathway to Champions League qualification. The second leg at Old Trafford promises to be a tense affair.
Tottenham Fight Back for Draw Against Frankfurt
Tottenham Hotspur battled to a 1-1 draw at home against Eintracht Frankfurt, keeping their Europa League hopes alive despite a lackluster Premier League campaign. Frankfurt struck early through Hugo Ekitike, who finished a swift counterattack in the sixth minute. Spurs responded midway through the first half when Pedro Porro met a pinpoint cross from James Maddison to level the score.
The result leaves Tottenham with work to do in Germany next week, as they aim to replicate their 2019 Champions League run to salvage a challenging season.
Chelsea Maintain Perfect Record in Conference League
In the Europa Conference League, Chelsea continued their dominant form with a commanding 3-0 victory over Legia Warsaw. After a quiet first half, the Blues exploded into life early in the second period. Tyrique George opened the scoring in the 49th minute, pouncing on a rebound for his first senior goal for the club. Substitute Noni Madueke doubled the lead eight minutes later with a clinical left-footed strike, before sealing the win with a close-range finish in the 74th.
Christopher Nkunku had a chance to make it three from the penalty spot, but his effort was saved. Chelsea’s perfect record in the competition keeps them firmly in control heading into the return leg at Stamford Bridge.
Bodo/Glimt Shock Lazio in Arctic Conditions
Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt pulled off a sensational 2-0 upset against Lazio in a snowy encounter just inside the Arctic Circle. Heavy snowfall threatened to postpone the match, played on an artificial pitch, but Bodo/Glimt thrived in the tough conditions. Ulrik Saltnes proved the hero, scoring twice in the second half. His first came from a low shot set up by Ole Didrik Blomberg, and he sealed the win with a delicate lob over Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas, despite a late clearance attempt by Alessio Romagnoli.
Lazio, who topped the league phase, now face an uphill battle in Rome.
Rangers and Athletic Bilbao Play Out Stalemate
In Glasgow, Rangers and Athletic Bilbao played out a cagey 0-0 draw, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Both teams will look to seize the initiative in the second leg in Spain, as they vie for a place in the semifinals.
What’s Next?
All second legs are scheduled for next week, with Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea aiming to capitalize on home advantage, while Bodo/Glimt and Lyon look to build on their impressive first-leg displays. The Europa League and Conference League continue to deliver drama, with plenty still to play for in these tightly contested ties.
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