In a night filled with stunning goals and heart-pounding drama, Manchester United secured a dramatic 5-4 extra-time victory over Lyon in their Europa League quarter-final clash, advancing to the semi-finals. The thrilling encounter at Old Trafford saw United fight back after a series of twists and turns, culminating in a last-gasp header from Harry Maguire. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur also advanced to the final four after a hard-fought win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, continued their impressive campaign, overcoming Rangers to seal their place in the semi-finals.You know about theglobespot, openrendz and europa league semi-finals also Buzzfeed.
Manchester United’s Dramatic Comeback
Manchester United entered the second leg of their quarter-final against Lyon with a 2-2 draw from the first leg in France, knowing they had everything to play for. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric. It took just 10 minutes for United to take control of the match when Manuel Ugarte, having been set up by Alejandro Garnacho, slotted home a goal to give United a 1-0 lead on the night.
In injury time of the first half, Diogo Dalot doubled United’s lead with a sensational strike, giving them a two-goal cushion. With Bruno Fernandes coming close with a thunderous volley that rattled the crossbar, United seemed to be cruising towards the semi-finals. However, Lyon was far from done, and they responded fiercely.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 71st minute when Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso scored with a header that gave them hope. With the aggregate score now tied, Lyon went on the offensive. In the 78th minute, Nicolas Tagliafico’s shot crossed the line after a scramble in front of goal, leveling the score at 2-2 on the night and 4-4 on aggregate.
Lyon was dealt a blow when Tolisso was shown a second yellow card, leaving them with 10 men as the match progressed. But Lyon shocked everyone by taking a 3-2 lead in extra time through Rayan Cherki, who finished brilliantly after a well-timed pass from Malick Fofana. This meant that Lyon were in the driver’s seat, leading 6-4 on aggregate, with only minutes remaining.
Athletic Bilbao’s Strong Performance
Athletic Bilbao had a relatively smoother path to the semi-finals, albeit with a strong performance against Scottish giants Rangers. Bilbao had secured a goalless draw in the first leg in Glasgow, and the tie remained finely poised heading into the return fixture in Spain. As the match unfolded, Bilbao made their intentions clear, scoring in first-half stoppage time when Oihan Sancet converted a penalty awarded after a foul by Rangers’ John Souttar.
Rangers came close to equalizing early in the second half when Nicolas Raskin struck the post, but the Basque club’s defense held firm. In the 71st minute, Nico Williams sealed Bilbao’s victory with a header from an Oscar De Marcos cross, giving the home side a 2-0 win on the night and securing their place in the semi-finals.
This victory was significant not just because of the result, but also due to the pride that Athletic Bilbao took in the performance. Their coach and players expressed a strong determination to go all the way to the final, which will be held at their home stadium, San Mames, on May 21.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Hard-Fought Victory
Tottenham Hotspur, who have struggled domestically in the Premier League this season, were also in action against Eintracht Frankfurt, aiming to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Spurs had a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, and they knew that a draw or a narrow win would be enough to progress.
The match, played in Frankfurt, was tense and hard-fought, with both teams giving it their all. Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke scored the only goal of the game, converting a penalty in the 43rd minute after James Maddison was fouled by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos. That goal proved to be decisive, as Spurs managed to hold onto their slim lead and advance with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, was visibly relieved after the game, acknowledging the difficult period the club has endured this season. “Our fans have been through a tough time. Hopefully, this gives them something to look forward to,” Postecoglou remarked after the game.
Bodo/Glimt’s Historic Victory
Bodo/Glimt, a Norwegian team that has been making waves in European football, achieved a historic feat by reaching the Europa League semi-finals. They faced Lazio in a thrilling encounter that ended 3-3 on aggregate, with Bodo/Glimt winning 3-2 on penalties after a dramatic extra time. Lazio had a strong start, needing to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit, and they took the lead through Taty Castellanos’ goal. However, Bodo/Glimt fought back and leveled the aggregate score with a last-minute goal from Tijani Noslin, forcing extra time.
Bodo/Glimt’s Andreas Helmersen scored to put his team back in the lead in extra time, and after a red card for Bodo/Glimt, they managed to hold off Lazio and win the penalty shootout 3-2. The Norwegian side’s remarkable journey continues as they prepare for a semi-final clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Looking Ahead: Europa League Semi-Finals
The semi-finals of the Europa League promise to be an exciting spectacle, with Manchester United set to face Athletic Bilbao, while Tottenham Hotspur will take on Bodo/Glimt. All four teams will be hoping to make history and secure a spot in the final. For United and Bilbao, the dream of lifting the Europa League trophy is very much alive, while Spurs and Bodo/Glimt will look to upset the odds and make their mark on European football.
The Europa League is now in the business end of the competition, and with the quality of the teams remaining, fans can expect plenty of drama, excitement, and thrilling moments in the coming weeks.
