Manchester United Stages Dramatic Comeback to Reach Semis

Manchester United Stages Dramatic Comeback to Reach Semis \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Manchester United fought back from 4-2 down in extra time to win 5-4 on the night, securing a place in the Europa League semifinals. Tottenham also advanced with a 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Chelsea, Fiorentina, and Real Betis progressed to the UEFA Conference League semifinals.

Quick Looks

• Manchester United completed a thrilling 5-4 victory over Lyon, winning 7-6 on aggregate.
• United led 2-0, conceded twice in six minutes, but rallied with extra-time goals from Fernandes, Mainoo, and Maguire.
• Tottenham secured a 2-1 aggregate win over Eintracht Frankfurt with Solanke’s penalty.
• Tottenham’s victory keeps their hopes of Champions League qualification alive.
• Chelsea held off Legia Warsaw 4-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 loss in the second leg.
• Fiorentina won 4-3 on aggregate against Celje, with Moise Kean’s second-half goal sealing the tie.
• Real Betis advanced with a 3-1 aggregate win after a 1-1 draw with Jagiellonia Bialystok.
• Athletic Bilbao defeated Rangers 2-0 to advance to the semifinals.
• Lazio’s 2-0 win over Bodo/Glimt leveled the tie, going to extra time, and they advanced on away goals.

Deep Look

Thursday’s Europa and Conference League fixtures delivered a night of emotional highs, heart-stopping drama, and defining moments in European football. While Manchester United staged one of the greatest comebacks in its European history, Tottenham salvaged their season with a gritty performance. Meanwhile, clubs like Chelsea, Fiorentina, and Real Betis booked their places in the UEFA Conference League semifinals, proving the third-tier competition remains packed with quality and ambition.

Manchester United’s Incredible Resurrection at Old Trafford

Few matches live up to the legendary status of a European night at Old Trafford — but this one may have surpassed expectations. Manchester United, carrying a narrow advantage from the first leg, looked to be in full control with a 2-0 lead at halftime. However, the second half flipped the script.

Lyon, despite being reduced to 10 men, fought back furiously with two quick goals in six minutes to level the aggregate and force extra time. Then, chaos. Lyon stunned the home crowd by surging to a 4-2 lead, seemingly knocking United out of the tournament.

But when the odds were stacked highest, United responded. Bruno Fernandes found the net to reignite hope. Then, Kobbie Mainoo — continuing his rise as one of Europe’s brightest young talents — leveled the tie. In the dying minutes of extra time, Harry Maguire, so often criticized in the past, rose like a hero to head home the decisive goal.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations. It was 5-4 on the night, 7-6 on aggregate — and a performance that will be remembered by United fans for decades. Manager Erik ten Hag, under intense scrutiny this season, may now have earned some breathing room and belief heading into the final stretch.

Tottenham’s Season-Saving Win

Tottenham Hotspur’s campaign has been a rollercoaster of disappointment and inconsistency, currently languishing in 15th in the Premier League. But in Europe, they found focus and resolve.

Facing Eintracht Frankfurt, Spurs needed to overturn a 1-0 deficit. VAR awarded them a lifeline — a penalty after goalkeeper Kaua Santos fouled James Maddison. Dominic Solanke coolly stepped up in the 43rd minute and delivered what proved to be the tie-winning goal.

It wasn’t glamorous football, but it was effective and timely. With qualification for the semifinals secured, Tottenham’s attention now turns to pushing for silverware and securing a much-needed route back to the Champions League next season.

Chelsea Push Through Despite Home Defeat

Chelsea entered their second-leg tie against Legia Warsaw with a comfortable 3-0 cushion from the away leg. Despite a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge — marked by a slightly sluggish performance — the aggregate scoreline of 4-2 ensured their passage to the semifinals of the UEFA Conference League.

It wasn’t a vintage performance from the Blues, but they’ll take confidence in the depth of their squad and their ability to compete across competitions. As their domestic campaign continues to be plagued with inconsistency, success in Europe could redefine their season.

Fiorentina Survive a Scare from Celje

Fiorentina’s clash with Slovenian side Celje was more difficult than expected. The Italian side needed to dig deep after a 2-2 home draw, relying on Moise Kean’s second-half goal to push them through 4-3 on aggregate. Fiorentina showed flashes of attacking brilliance but were also exposed at the back.

Their ability to survive in knockout football — even when not at their best — bodes well as they aim to bring European silverware back to Florence. With depth, experience, and now growing momentum, Fiorentina could emerge as serious contenders.

Real Betis Book Semifinal Spot with Composed Performance

Real Betis demonstrated their European credentials by drawing 1-1 with Jagiellonia Bialystok and sealing a 3-1 aggregate win. The Spanish side showed composure and tactical discipline, traits they’ll need more of as they prepare for tougher opponents in the next round.

Their consistency in La Liga has translated well into the Conference League, and with veteran leadership and a technically gifted squad, Betis will be a tough out in the final four.

Athletic Bilbao and Lazio Join the Party

In the Europa League, Athletic Bilbao cruised into the semifinals with a commanding 2-0 win over Rangers at home. After a goalless draw in the first leg, Bilbao dominated possession and tempo, scoring through Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams to seal the tie.

Meanwhile, Lazio fought back to beat Bodo/Glimt 2-0 after extra time, leveling the aggregate score at 2-2 and advancing on away goals. The Italian side showed resilience and depth, with manager Maurizio Sarri rotating the squad and keeping key players fresh for the battles ahead.

What’s Next: Road to the Finals

As the semifinals approach in both the Europa League and the Conference League, the field is narrowing and the intensity is rising. For clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham, the stakes go beyond trophies — with Champions League spots on the line, financial rewards at stake, and pressure mounting from fans and boards alike.

For clubs like Fiorentina, Chelsea, and Betis, these competitions offer a rare chance to etch their names into European history, especially in a season where domestic success has been elusive.

Expect fireworks. Expect drama. Expect more unforgettable moments.

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