Late Lyon Goal Holds Man Utd in Europa League; Spurs Draw, Chelsea Secure Victory.
Late Cherki Equalizer Denies Man United Win in Europa League; Spurs Draw, Chelsea Cruise
Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Lyon in their Europa League quarterfinal first leg after a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from Rayan Cherki. The French side salvaged the result at home despite United thinking they had snatched a win through Joshua Zirkzee’s 88th-minute header, set up by captain Bruno Fernandes.
Earlier, Lyon took the lead when Thiago Almada’s curling free kick from the left eluded everyone, including goalkeeper André Onana, and nestled inside the far post. United responded just before halftime, with Leny Yoro heading home following a Fernandes free kick. The Premier League side, still unbeaten in the competition this season, remains hopeful of progressing as they aim for Champions League qualification via the Europa League, given their current 13th-place domestic standing.
Elsewhere, Tottenham fought back to draw 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt. Hugo Ekitike put the visitors ahead early on, but Pedro Porro equalized in the 26th minute after linking up with James Maddison.
In Norway, Bodo/Glimt shocked Lazio 2-0 in snowy conditions inside the Arctic Circle. Ulrik Saltnes scored twice in the second half, including a lob over Lazio’s keeper that crossed the line before being cleared.
Rangers and Athletic Bilbao played out a goalless draw in Glasgow, leaving everything to play for in the second leg.
Meanwhile, Chelsea continued their dominant Europa Conference League campaign with a 3-0 victory over Legia Warsaw. Tyrique George opened the scoring shortly after halftime, netting his first goal for the club. Noni Madueke then added a brace, with Christopher Nkunku missing a chance to score from the penalty spot in between.
All second-leg fixtures are scheduled for next week.
