Rayan Cherki struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw for Lyon, denying Manchester United a first-leg advantage in a dramatic Europa League quarter-final clash.
The Frenchman’s composed finish at the end of a brilliant team move capped off a frustrating night for United, who looked set to leave with a narrow win until Cherki’s intervention.
All eyes were on Andre Onana after his bold pre-match comments ; but the Manchester United goalkeeper failed to back up his words, being directly at fault for both Lyon goals.
The hosts opened the scoring in bizarre fashion when Thiago Almada’s wayward cross somehow looped over Onana and into the net, with the Cameroonian rooted to the spot. United responded before half-time through Leny Yoro, whose close-range strike levelled things up just before the break.
In the second half, United began to take control. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee rose highest in the 80th minute to power home a sensational header, which looked destined to be the match-winner.
But just when the Red Devils thought they’d escaped with a precious away win, Lyon struck again. A fluid passage of play unlocked United’s defense, and coolly flicked the ball past Onana to send the home fans into raptures.
For Manchester United, the result is a psychological blow. What seemed like a vital away win slipped through their fingers in the dying moments. Now, as they prepare for the return leg at Old Trafford, they’ll need to summon every ounce of belief to overturn the damage and outmuscle a Lyon side full of confidence and flair.
