Last night at Old Trafford, football showed its craziest, most beautiful, but also most brutal and merciless face. But that’s something all football lovers have already known. Something else that happened at the Theatre of Dreams was a new revelation.Once a champion, always a champion.Maguire stuns Lyon in overtime for the win and the semi-finalMany may not believe it, but it’s true. Just look at Man United. The club is going through their phase in its 147-year-long history. But although its glorious days have long been over, the champion spirit has never left the stadium located on Sir Matt Busby Way.Rollercoaster on Old Trafford – the boy will rememberLyon’s return after the Red Devils’ 2-0 lead and the French side’s two extra-time goals, which brought them on the verge of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, are undoubtedly evidence of the deep crisis United are facing. But the period between the 114th and 121st minutes proves that the heart of a champion still lives at one of the biggest stadiums in England.WHAT HAVE WE JUST WITNESSED!🤯◎ 10′ Man Utd 1-0 Lyon◎ 45+1′ Man Utd 2-0 Lyon◉ 71′ Man Utd 2-1 Lyon◉ 77′ Man Utd 2-2 Lyon◉ 88′ Tolisso sent off ◉ 104′ Man Utd 2-3 Lyon◉ 109′ Man Utd 2-4 Lyon◎ 114′ Man Utd 3-4 Lyon ◎ 120′ Man Utd 4-4 Lyon ◎ 120+1′ Man Utd 5-4… pic.twitter.com/aUv0iPbZiZ— Squawka (@Squawka) April 17, 2025 Just like the 15-time European Champions Real Madrid in their numerous Champions League comebacks, Ruben Amorim’s men scored three goals to turn the tables from 2-4 to 5-4 in the span of seven minutes of extra time and secured another UEL semi-final. And it seems almost destined that Casemiro was the one who initiated the comeback – the man who was (wearing Los Blancos’ jersey) a key part of arguably the most successful generation in the history of football.Casemiro is the definition of clutch. 👏The Brazilian won the penalty in the 114th minute, assisted the equaliser in the 120th minute and assisted the winner in the 121st minute. He also won more duels (9) and created more chances (4) than any other Manchester United player,… pic.twitter.com/ywMoenUK6s— Squawka (@Squawka) April 17, 2025 How on Earth did they manage to accomplish that?The Portuguese gaffer’s subs must have had some impact, but a crucial one? No. And the players who were on the pitch during those seven minutes were the same ones who struggled in the Premier League and currently sit in the 14th spot.So what made the difference?The spirit. The mentality. The perseverence. The persistence. The memory of the club’s ups and downs, of the glorious days, of the “Busby Babes,” who tragically died in a plane crash…120 – Manchester United are the first team in history to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match. Amorimtime. pic.twitter.com/d9VCeb0Wiq— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 17, 2025 Man United fans should be calmer than ever after last night’s win. Not because they still have a chance to win the UEL and secure the Champions League next season. No. They should be peaceful because the clash against Lyon has clearly indicated their beloved team will be back.Tomorrow, next season, in three years – it does not matter. As long as at least one sparkle is still smouldering, the fire will sooner or later be ignited again.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 33Saturday17:00: (2.50) Brentford (3.65) Brighton (2.65)17:00: (2.85) Crystal Palace (3.50) Bournemouth (2.60)17:00: (3.80) Everton (3.50) Man.City (2.00)17:00: (1.48) West Ham (4.30) Southampton (7.00)19:30: (2.45) Aston Villa (3.50) Newcastle (3.00)Sunday16:00: (2.95) Fulham (3.50) Chelsea (2.50)16:00: (7.25) Ipswich (4.40) Arsenal (1.45)16:00: (2.30) Man.Utd. (3.40) Wolverhampton (3.10)18:30: (12.0) Leicester (6.50) Liverpool (1.22)Monday22:00: (2.55) Tottenham (3.50) Nott.Forest (2.85)***odds are subject to change***
