Manchester United scored two goals in two extra-time minutes against Olympique Lyonnais to book their slot in the Europa League semi-finals, in what was a dramatic game at Old Trafford.
United were staring down elimination, trailing 6-5 on aggregate as the clock ticked into the final minute of extra time. But in a dramatic twist, substitute Kobbie Mainoo stepped up and rifled home a 120th-minute equaliser to keep their hopes alive.
Just as it looked like the match was headed for a penalty shootout, Harry Maguire soared above the defence to nod in a superb cross from Casemiro, sealing United’s place in the semi-finals.
It was a comeback for the ages from Ruben Amorim’s men, who were at one point 2-0 up thanks to strikes from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot. However, Lyon restored parity in the second half through Corentin Tolisso and Nico Tagliafico to ensure the game went into extra time.
Despite being a man down after Tolisso was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence, they added two more goals, with Rayan Cherki and Alexandre Lacazette finding the back of the net. United needed three goals to qualify and it was their skipper, Bruno Fernandes, who set the ball rolling as he converted from the penalty spot.
It’s a game that will live long in the memory, and one player who will look back on it fondly is Diogo Dalot.
Dalot has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in recent weeks following a tough start to life under Amorim. Though he initially found it challenging to adapt to the wing-back role, he’s now settling in well and growing in confidence with each passing game.
He was top-class against Lyon, the highlight of his game being his goal at the stroke of half-time. The defender got on the end of a Maguire ball, expertly turned while shielding it from Tagliafico and then buried it into the bottom corner.
Beyond his goal, Dalot touched the ball 77 times and managed to find his teammates with 39 of the 49 passes he attempted (80% individual pass accuracy). One of his passes was a key pass.
The Portugal international successfully connected with four of the nine long balls he pinged. He created one big chance.
Dalot fired three shots. One of which was on target – the goal – but the other didn’t really trouble the Lyon goalkeeper.
He completed two of the four dribbles he embarked on. Defensively, Dalot was solid, winning three of the eight ground duels he contested and coming out on top in all two aerial duels that he vied for.
The 26-year-old als made five clearances and one interception.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
Dalot recently revealed that he has been sharpening the attacking side of his game and he certainly walked his talk in Thursday’s triumph over Lyon.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
