France-born midfielder of Algerian descent, Rayan Cherki, scored a stunning goal for Olympique Lyon against Manchester United on Thursday night but it was not enough as the team crashed out of the Europa League.
The versatile attacking midfielder started the game for his team at Old Trafford and lasted the entire 90 minutes plus some part of extra time.
On the matchday, Manchester United struck early in the 10th minute when Alejandro Garnacho set up Manuel Ugarte for a cool finish into the middle of the goal. Just before the break, Harry Maguire delivered a lofted cross that Diogo Dalot latched onto, firing in off the post to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
Lyon responded in the second half when Alexandre Lacazette nodded down a perfect cross for Corentin Tolisso, whose header found the back of the net to make it 2-1 in the 71st minute. Moments later, Nicolas Tagliafico showed sharp finishing with a composed strike to level the score at 2-2.
In extra time, Cherki produced a piece of magic in the 105th minute, seizing on a loose ball just outside the box and unleashing a brilliant low shot into the bottom right corner, leaving Andre Onana with no chance.
Lyon’s comeback looked complete when Lacazette calmly converted a penalty in the 110th minute to hand his side a 4-3 lead. But United refused to fold. Bruno Fernandes equalised from the spot in the 114th minute, and Kobbie Mainoo fired home in the 120th to swing the momentum back in United’s favour.
With the match seemingly settled, Harry Maguire had the final say, rising highest to meet Casemiro’s cross and heading home the decisive goal, sealing a thrilling 5-4 victory for Manchester United.
The result means Manchester United progress to the semi-final of the Europa League with a 7-6 aggregate win over Lyon.
