‘It Hurts’: Lyon Reacts After Manchester United’s Stunning Europa League Comeback

Corentin Tolisso admitted he was “hurt” while Malick Fofana spoke of emotions he had “never felt before” as Lyon struggled to come to terms with their collapse against Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals.

United, who have endured a turbulent campaign, looked set for another disappointment as Lyon surged 4-2 ahead in extra-time. But a late rally, sparked by Bruno Fernandes’ penalty, turned the tie on its head. Kobbie Mainoo struck an equaliser in the 120th minute before Harry Maguire headed home the winner almost immediately, completing an astonishing 5-4 victory.

Old Trafford erupted in jubilation after one of its most dramatic European nights in years. The match also entered the history books, becoming the first in major European competition to feature five goals in extra-time, leaving Lyon stunned by their collapse.

Emotional Reactions from Lyon

Speaking to Canal+, a dejected Tolisso said:

“Frankly, it’s going to be hard to talk about. It’s complicated, we went through a lot of emotions. We messed up our first half. We came back to 2-2.

“Unfortunately, my (red) card hurt us. With the experience I have, I have to be careful. The guys were tremendous. I was definitely super proud. At 4-2, I think we thought it was over, but in football, things happen quickly.

“It hurts. It’s one of my worst matches with the red card and the elimination. We’ll have to hold our heads up, digest everything because there’s a match to win on Sunday.”

Malick Fofana also shared his thoughts with Canal+, saying:

“I think everyone is disappointed. I think we played a very good match. In the end, it wasn’t enough. I think we slacked off a bit and we paid dearly for it.

“The penalty hurt us, the (away) crowd pushed us. In the end, we have to be more demanding of ourselves. It’s the first time I’ve felt emotions like that and I’ll remember it for a long time. We’re going to rest and then focus on Saint-Étienne this weekend.”

Tolisso’s dismissal late in regular time, after a second yellow card, left Lyon with 10 men for the entirety of extra-time. Despite that disadvantage, the French side still managed to extend their lead — only for United’s resilience to prove decisive in the final moments.

United’s reward is a semi-final tie against Spanish side Athletic Bilbao as they continue their quest for European silverware.

Site Opinion

Manchester United’s thrilling comeback against Lyon was a vintage European night that reminded supporters why Old Trafford retains its mystique. Despite a season dogged by inconsistency and setbacks, this performance demonstrated that passion, character and belief still run deep through the club.

For Lyon, the defeat will sting for a long time. Holding a two-goal advantage deep into extra-time — even with a man down — they appeared to have done enough. But football’s unforgiving nature reared its head, with lapses in concentration and discipline proving catastrophic. Their Europa League dream ended not with a whimper, but a gut-wrenching collapse.