Three things we learned as 10-man Lyon eliminated by Manchester United in wild finish | OneFootball

It had been 17 years since Olympique Lyonnais had last visited Manchester United at Old Trafford. Back in 2008, the stadium was the backdrop for a second-round elimination for the French side. This time round, Lyon were hoping for a far better outcome with the scores level following last week’s 2-2 draw.

Manchester United flew out of the traps, gaining a 2-0 lead after the first half. However, goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolás Tagliafico meant that the two sides would need additional time to separate these teams. Five goals were scored in a chaotic and unforgettable end that saw Lyon eliminated once more in Manchester (5-4 on the night, 7-6 on aggregate).

United rule the wings

Ruben Amorim’s system emphasises control of the wings with a 3-4-3 that puts a lot of attacking impetus on the ability of the wing-backs. This has had some mixed results in the Premier League, but tonight against Lyon, the benefits were on full display.

Both of the first-half goals came from attacks down the right-hand flank, with Lyon unable to cope with Manchester United running at them. For the first, Nicolás Tagliafico was dragged high up the pitch, man-marking Diogo Dalot, which allowed Bruno Fernandes to drift wide into the space vacated by the Lyon defender.

Paul Akouokou shifted wide but was caught between his task of man-marking Fernandes and protecting the centre of the pitch. This meant that when the long ball was released for Fernandes to chase, it was an easy win for the midfielder, who left his marker flat-footed, where he could deliver a killer ball into the centre.

Paulo Fonseca’s changes shift control

Lyon had struggled to implement their gameplan in the first half, they had wanted to control the ball and build these patient attacks through their midfield. However, they were undone by sloppy passes that lost control and momentum and gave United the ability to apply pressure in high positions.

Paulo Fonseca was proactive in the second half, making a series of changes to his team, which managed to spur the Ligue 1 side into clawing their way back into this tie. Akouokou, Jordan Veretout, and Georges Mikautadze were taken off for Tanner Tessmann, Alexandre Lacazette, and Malick Fofana.

Momentum shifted noticeably to the visitors as Lyon controlled the ball far better and were finally able to get into positions where they could begin to test André Onana. Goals from Corentin Tolisso and Tagliafico meant that we were all square as we approached the end of regulation time. However, we would be in store for a major twist in the tale.

Leny Yoro broke down the right wing late into the match, but was clipped by Corentin Tolisso. The centre-back went sprawling to the floor, and the midfielder, already on a yellow, was shown a second. On replay, it was a decision that looked incredibly harsh on the Lyon man.

Lyon impress with ten men, but United’s pressure prevails

Five goals were scored in a wild additional time. Lyon went two goals ahead before a remarkable comeback from Manchester United saw the English club capitalise on their ten-man advantage and win the game.

Another team might hunker down and spend the final half an hour trying to reach penalties. However, even with a man disadvantage, Lyon kept their heads up and refused to back down from a game plan which focused on doing what they do best, keeping control of the ball and building their attacks.

A beautiful goal from Rayan Cherki, followed by a penalty from Alexandre Lacazette, looked to give Lyon a dominant lead. However, United would claw back a nervy end after Thiago Almada brought down Casemiro in the box. Fernandes would give United hope.

Kobbie Mainoo would level the ties before Harry Maguire would secure the winner with an impressive header. It’s hard to know what we learnt from that finish, other than this was perhaps the most chaotic end to a Europa League night. Lyon impressed but could do little to stem the tide.

GFFN | Nick Hartland