André Onana endured a nightmare evening as his costly errors allowed Lyon to snatch a dramatic late equaliser, leaving Manchester United frustrated after a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
The goalkeeper was at fault for both Lyon goals, his performance overshadowing an otherwise determined display from United. The first mistake came in the first half when Thiago Almada’s hopeful free-kick from the left drifted into the box. Onana hesitated, misjudging the flight and bounce of the ball, which skidded past his outstretched hand and into the net. It was a basic error, the kind that demoralizes a team and electrifies the home crowd, who took every opportunity to jeer the keeper throughout the night.
United, however, managed to respond. Their captain, Bruno Fernandes, was at the heart of their attacking efforts and nearly forced an own goal from Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso with a dangerous free-kick. Later, Fernandes delivered a pinpoint cross from the right that Joshua Zirkzee headed home in the 87th minute, seemingly sealing a valuable away win.
But just as United looked set to take control of the tie, Onana faltered again. In added time, a shot from Tolisso was spilled directly into the path of Rayan Cherki, who made no mistake in slotting home the equaliser. Onana’s weak handling undid all of United’s late efforts, and the match ended with the visiting players visibly stunned.
Earlier in the game, United had struggled to cope with Lyon’s pressure. Diogo Dalot was targeted repeatedly, with Lyon’s Georges Mikautadze exploiting space behind him to whip in dangerous crosses. United’s defensive shape often resembled a deep line of six or seven, highlighting the intensity of Lyon’s attacks. Yet despite being pinned back for long spells, the visitors managed to carve out moments of promise. Alejandro Garnacho combined well with Dalot on the right, setting up Fernandes for a shot that was pushed over by Lucas Perri.
Lyon’s equaliser before the break came from a United set-piece. Perri punched Fernandes’s free-kick straight to Manuel Ugarte, whose volley was nodded in by Leny Yoro. The defender later expressed frustration at conceding the late goal but remained optimistic about the return leg at Old Trafford.
Rasmus Højlund, who struggled to make an impact, was replaced by Zirkzee just after the hour mark. The change injected fresh energy, and the substitute’s goal looked like it would be the decisive moment. However, Onana’s second blunder meant the tie remains finely poised.
As the final whistle blew, United were left ruing missed chances and goalkeeping calamities. The draw keeps their hopes alive, but the result raises serious questions about their ability to close out games. With the second leg to come at home, United must regroup quickly. They’ll need composure, resilience, and far greater solidity at the back if they are to progress to the semi-finals.
