LYON, France — The first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals between Lyon vs Man United ended 2-2, but all eyes were on André Onana, whose goalkeeping errors gifted Lyon both goals in a night to forget for Manchester United F.C.
The drama began even before kickoff. Onana, just a day after saying “Man United are way better than Lyon”, was criticized by former Red Devil Nemanja Matić, who labeled him “one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history.”
Those comments set the stage for a heated atmosphere at the Groupama Stadium, and Onana didn’t help his cause.
How It Happened
In the 25th minute, a routine Thiago Almada free kick bounced awkwardly in front of Onana and looped into the net. The Man U keeper fell face-first into the turf, stunned. The crowd erupted.
Man Utd equalized through Leny Yoro just before halftime, and Joshua Zirkzee gave them the lead with a late header in the 88th minute. But just as it looked like Manchester United would take a valuable away win, Onana failed to hold onto a Georges Mikautadze shot. The rebound landed perfectly for Rayan Cherki, who tapped in Lyon’s 94th-minute equalizer.
The Lyon – Manchester United draw leaves the Europa League schedule delicately poised heading into the second leg at Old Trafford.
Coach Amorim Stands by Onana
Despite the costly blunders, United coach Ruben Amorim defended Onana post-match.
“If you play football, you make mistakes,” Amorim said. “It’s about focus and moving forward. I’m still confident in André.”
Still, with the second leg fast approaching, Amorim may need to make a difficult call in goal if Man U are to reach the semifinals.
What’s Next?
The Europa League schedule continues next week with Man Utd vs Lyon at Old Trafford. With the tie now level, it’s all to play for — but Onana’s position may be the biggest question mark.
Source: Espn
