Onana Errors Cost Manchester United in Lyon Draw \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Andre Onana’s critical errors led to a 2-2 draw for Manchester United against Lyon in the Europa League. Chelsea continued its perfect run in the Conference League with a 3-0 win over Legia Warsaw. Tottenham and Rangers also battled to draws, while Bodø/Glimt shocked Lazio in Arctic conditions.
Quick Looks
- Andre Onana blamed for both goals in Man United’s 2-2 draw at Lyon.
- Former teammate Nemanja Matic called him “one of United’s worst keepers.”
- Rayan Cherki punished a late Onana spill to salvage a point for Lyon.
- Tottenham drew 1-1 at home with Eintracht Frankfurt; Ekitiké and Porro scored.
- Bodø/Glimt stunned Lazio 2-0 in a snowy Arctic battle; Saltnes scored twice.
- Rangers and Athletic Bilbao ended goalless after an early red card for Rangers.
- Chelsea maintained a perfect Europa Conference League record with a 3-0 win.
- George and Madueke starred in second half; Nkunku missed a penalty.
- Fiorentina, Real Betis, and Rapid Vienna all won their first-leg matchups.
- All second-leg fixtures are scheduled for next Thursday.
Deep Look
Manchester United’s Europa League quarterfinal first leg at Lyon ended in frustration Thursday night, as the Premier League side let a late lead slip in a 2-2 draw—with both goals conceded due to mistakes by goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The match had a charged prelude when former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, now playing for Lyon, publicly criticized Onana, labeling him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history.”
Unfortunately for United fans, the Cameroonian international’s performance appeared to validate the harsh critique.
Onana’s Costly Night in Lyon
Lyon took the lead in the 25th minute, as Thiago Almada’s curling free kick from a wide angle sneaked past Onana, who failed to get across his goal in time. Though not powerful, the shot was deceptive, and Onana was slow to react.
United responded just before halftime. A Bruno Fernandes free kick was punched away by Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri, but it found Leny Yoro, who nodded it in for a timely equalizer in stoppage time.
In the 88th minute, substitute Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won it for United, heading in a precise cross from Fernandes.
However, Onana’s night went from bad to worse in the 90th minute, when he failed to hold onto a strike from Georges Mikautadze. Rayan Cherki was the fastest to react, tucking away the rebound to secure the draw for Lyon.
“This is the worst moment to concede a goal like that,” said goalscorer Yoro. “Away, 2-1 would’ve been a great score. Now we must finish it at home.”
United, still unbeaten in the Europa League this season, will aim to redeem themselves in the second leg at Old Trafford. With Champions League qualification unlikely via the Premier League (they currently sit 13th), winning the Europa League remains their best hope.
Tottenham and Frankfurt Share the Spoils
Also in Europa League action, Tottenham Hotspur salvaged a 1-1 draw at home against Eintracht Frankfurt. The German side struck early, with Hugo Ekitiké scoring on a counterattack in the 6th minute.
Pedro Porro equalized in the 26th minute, volleying in a delivery from James Maddison. Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou praised his team’s fight, though admitted disappointment in the defensive lapse.
“I can’t ask any more of the lads,” he said. “It was disappointing to concede the way we did.”
Bodø/Glimt Stun Lazio in Arctic Clash
In the northernmost fixture of the round, Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt shocked Serie A giants Lazio 2-0 under challenging conditions just inside the Arctic Circle.
Despite fears the match could be postponed due to snowfall, the game proceeded on an artificial pitch. Ulrik Saltnes was the star, scoring twice in the second half. His first came after a clever setup from Ole Didrik Blomberg, while his second was a lofted chip that just crossed the line before Lazio’s Alessio Romagnoli could clear.
Rangers Hold Bilbao in Ten-Man Standoff
In Glasgow, Rangers and Athletic Bilbao battled to a 0-0 stalemate, with Rangers playing nearly the entire match down a man after Robin Pröpper was sent off in the 13th minute for a professional foul on Iñaki Williams.
Despite the disadvantage, Rangers held firm, and Athletic missed a golden chance to take the win when Alex Berenguer missed a late penalty.
Chelsea Cruise in Conference League
Over in the Europa Conference League, Chelsea continued their flawless campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win at Legia Warsaw.
After a flat first half, Tyrique George broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, scoring his first goal for the club from a rebound. Noni Madueke, introduced at halftime, made it 2-0 with a sweet left-footed finish eight minutes later.
Christopher Nkunku missed a penalty, but Madueke struck again in the 74th, rounding out the scoreline.
Other Conference League Results:
- Fiorentina 2–1 Celje
- Real Betis 2–0 Jagiellonia
- Rapid Vienna 1–0 Djurgården
All second-leg matches across both the Europa League and Conference League are set to take place next Thursday, with aggregate scores determining the semifinalists.
Onana Errors Cost Onana Errors Cost
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