Lyon’s brutal knockout curse resurfaces before crucial United clash | OneFootball

Two each, a nail-biting conclusion, and a Europa League semifinal spot hanging in the balance. Manchester United host Lyon at Old Trafford with the challenge of turning their European match into a real blessing, while the French visit with the strength and courage they have shown in the first leg. That game had it all the hallmarks of a true European classic: comebacks, retorts, and drama right to the final second.

The 2-2 first-leg draw keeps the tension. Lyon started on top, scoring first through Thiago Almada, before Leny Yoro, back on home soil, nodded in the equalizer. With time running out in the game, Joshua Zirkzee seemed to have sealed it, tapping home a clinical cross from Bruno Fernandes and sending United ahead. But then came one final emotional turn: Rayan Cherki equalized in stoppage time, putting any premature English celebrations on hold.

Olympique Lyonnais v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg | Michael Steele/GettyImages

That draw, while infuriating the Red Devils, holds significant symbolic value, it leaves the tie very much open. And for that reason alone, it brings history, pressure, and expectation to the fore. With a semifinal place at stake, even the slightest error could be disastrous.

United's heritage or Lyon's coup?

Manchester United's European elimination record is obvious strength. They've contested 28 UEFA quarterfinal ties, a record number for any English club. It doesn't equal a victory, of course, but it does create a sort of maturity to their game. This is a side that can call the battleground home. It's whether this current crop is able to keep that heritage over the shoulder and use it for good when they need it most.

Coach Ruben Amorim spelled out what he hoped they would be. "If our team is more effective in scoring and is more threat-focused when attacking, we'll also defend well. André Onana has already proved himself to be a top-level footballer at Inter. So go ahead, he can play out. I think I'm the correct coach to work this team, and the same I believe about André." His words combine the confidence in the squad with the definiteness of attacking strategy. For Amorim, to attack well is a defense.

Simultaneously, Paulo Fonseca did not attempt to conceal his pride in Lyon's display. "We showed a lot of quality. So I am content with the team, with the players, but not completely with the result. We left the second leg totally open." It is an honest opinion. Lyon are not going to Old Trafford to make up the numbers. In spite of the historic odds against the French, this team clearly has desire.

History favors the English, but not without warning

Olympique Lyonnais v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg | Sports Press Photo/GettyImages

Now, let's scrutinize the numbers a bit further. Manchester United beat Lyon in their home base in both their last two European matches. They won by margins of 2-1 and 1-0 in 2004 and 2008. But something that Lyon may want to pay attention to for themselves is: a simple defeat in nine in a row in European matches played against English sides. It comprises four wins, four draws, and a loss by 3-0 and was against West Ham in 2022.

Another statistic that generates tension is United's recent home form against French teams. After a run of 14 home games unbeaten against French teams, 10 wins, 4 draws between 1965 and 2017, the Red Devils lost the last two: 2-0 and 3-1 to PSG. That dramatic fall may just give Lyon the confidence boost they need.

In spite of this, there is now momentum on the English side. Manchester United has remained unbeaten in the 2024/25 Europa League season. That's 11 games without defeat: six wins and five draws. It's a run that shows concentration and dependability, even though a team that has been unable to remain in form in the Premier League.

For Lyon, the record is the obstacle. The club has never progressed as far in European competition after the home leg resulted in nine previous knockout ties. That's a sour statistic, raucous and brutal. But that injury-time goal in the first leg might be the weakness in the wall they've been searching for. Fonseca is betting on performance. The players believe they have their opportunity. And the first leg demonstrated that belief wasn't unfounded.