Rayan Cherki’s stoppage-time equaliser snatched a 2-2 draw for Lyon against Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie at the Groupama Stadium.
The Red Devils hit the ground running, with Højlund and Bruno Fernandes creating early chances but failing to make the most of his opportunities. Lyon punished them midway through the first half when the free-kick delivery by Thiago Almada evaded everyone and crept into the net, with Andre Onana unable to keep it out despite getting a hand on the ball.
United pulled level just before the break when young defender Leny Yoro redirected Manuel Ugarte’s volley into the bottom corner. The teenager very nearly had a second soon after the restart, pulling a low shot just wide.
Lyon exerted pressure of their own, though Corentin Tolisso and then Alexandre Lacazette spurned good opportunities. As full-time neared, United then scored what looked a winner, Joshua Zirkzee heading home Alejandro Garnacho’s cross.
Lyon had the last word, though. Onana fumbled Georges Mikautadze’s shot in the closing seconds, and Cherki was on hand to tap home to keep the tie finely balanced going into the second leg at Old Trafford next week.
