The first leg of the Europa League quarter-final between Manchester United and Lyon was a barnburner, with four goals – two of them coming after the 88th minute, 30 shots, 13 corners and five yellow cards.
Neutrals hoped for something similar in the second leg at Old Trafford… and they were not to be disappointed.
The contest finished 5-4, which is extraordinary itself, but the real majesty came during extra time, where five goals were scored – a new record for a European game.
And those chaotic scenes were just perfect for a handful of Betfair customers, with one banking £5,000 from a £10 wager and four others walking away more than £1,000 richer courtesy of Harry Maguire’s 121st minute winner.
Back and Forth
Although Manuel Ugarte scored as early as the tenth minute to put United 3-2 ahead on aggregate, there were few early signs that this game would transform into one of the most entertaining back-and-forths that the Europa League has ever seen.
Diogo Dalot extended United’s lead in first half injury time, so the contest appeared to be all but over.
But the Lyon players must have had something strong in their half-time cuppa – no doubt aided by some choice words from temporary head coach Jorge Maciel, who is standing in for the suspended Paulo Fonseca (he’s banned for nine months after appearing to headbutt referee Benoit Millot during a Ligue 1 game).
The French side scored twice in the space of six minutes in the second period, before one of those goalscorers – Corentin Tolisso – was shown a second yellow card and sent off in the 89th minute.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Lyon looked the most likely of the two teams to go on and win the game… would they be able to complete the job in extra time?
Late, Late Show
Scores of Betfair punters were left eyeing up the myriad markets available in the short pause between the end of the regulation 90 minutes and the beginning of extra time.
One went in big: they backed the 3-2 extra time correct score in Manchester United’s favour… a fanciful sort of bet confirmed by lengthy odds of 500/1.
Others went for a similarly optimistic selection: Harry Maguire to score anytime within extra time – according to Betfair, as many as 91 of their customers opted for the defender to find the net.
Plenty of Betfair punters doing the same
91 of you backed Harry Maguire Anytime Goalscorer In Extra Time with 4 of you winning £1000+! https://t.co/qMEReKBDAy
— Betfair (@Betfair) April 18, 2025
The first period of extra time was a tight and conservative affair, with neither side wanting to give anything away. But a smart finish from Lyon’s Rayan Cherki in the 114th minute soon changed that.
Lyon doubled their advantage early in the second period of extra time, when Leny Yoro’s foul afforded Alexandre Lacazette the opportunity to score from the penalty spot. He duly obliged, and the French outfit looked to be on the cusp of a remarkable victory against all odds.
But that only seemed to spur United into life. They were handed a lifeline when Casemiro was felled in the Lyon penalty area. The referee initially missed the foul, but VAR intervened and a spot kick was awarded – Bruno Fernandes stepped up and despatched the kick with trademark confidence.
The minutes ticked agonisingly by as the Old Trafford faithful crossed their fingers, toes and other appendages in the hope for an equaliser. Kobbie Mainoo, playing out of position as a false nine striker, picked up the ball and found himself in a yard of space. He effortlessly curled home a fine strike to send the home fans into raptures – it was now 2-2 in extra time, 4-4 on the night and 6-6 on aggregate.
As the game inched into injury time in extra time, there wouldn’t be an opportunity for another twist, would there?
Manchester United have enjoyed some late, late moments in famous European games over the years, and now the ledger has a new entry thanks to this extraordinary encounter. Maguire, sent forward by Ruben Amorim as an emergency striker, leaped highest to get his head on Casemiro’s cross.
The ball arced goalwards, appeared as though it was going to hit the post, before curling into the bottom corner of the net.
Pandemonium inside Old Trafford, and in the homes of those that had backed Maguire to score in extra time – as mentioned, four Betfair customers landed a £1,000+ payday thanks to the centre back’s header.
Our correct score punter still had a few agonising seconds to play out, but eventually the final whistle was blown: United had won 3-2 in extra time, and so the anonymous individual’s speculative £10 at 500/1 became a £5,000 payout.
It’s exhausting just thinking about it!