Lyon And Manchester United Set For Europa League Showdown At Groupama Stadium
All eyes turn to France as Olympique Lyonnais host Manchester United at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday night for a tantalising UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg that promises drama, intensity and a test of nerves for both sides. For United, the clash is pivotal to salvaging their season, while a resurgent Lyon hope to extend their brilliant run against English opposition and push closer to continental glory.
Manchester United travel to France on the back of mixed recent form. After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest and a lacklustre goalless draw in the Manchester derby, Ruben Amorim’s men are desperate to find their attacking sparkle. Yet the Red Devils' pedigree in Europe remains impressive: unbeaten in 20 of their last 21 Europa League games, including an 11-tie unbeaten streak in first legs of knockout rounds. Historically too, they hold an advantage over Lyon, undefeated with two wins and two draws in previous meetings.
Contrastingly, Lyon are arguably their most dangerous in years, boasting eight wins in their past ten matches, surging past Lille last weekend to jump in the Ligue 1 table and eye a Champions League spot. Impressively, against Lille, they overcame conceding in the opening minute and injury adversity to muster a spirited 2-1 comeback victory, showcasing their fighting spirit and attacking class.
The French side’s home form, plus their recent record versus English teams—unbeaten in six, including famous wins over Man City—suggests Thursday will be no easy ride for United. Lyon’s vibrant talents like World Cup winner Thiago Almada and breakout star Rayan Cherki will spearhead the attack alongside Euro 2024 standout Georges Mikautadze, with veteran Nemanja Matic anchoring midfield versus his former club.
Lyon’s preparations suffered a setback as tricky winger Ernest Nuamah sustained a serious ACL injury against Lille, but that allowed Cherki to firmly reclaim a starting berth. Defensively, familiar faces include Nicolas Tagliafico and ex-Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles, promising a formidable and balanced XI.
Amorim meanwhile faces ongoing injury concerns. Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Ayden Heaven, and Amad Diallo remain sidelined, though the return of Matthijs de Ligt and young midfield talent Kobbie Mainoo to training offers a glimmer of hope. Both are likely on the bench, with United expected to field a similar XI that held City, relying on Onana, Maguire, Yoro and the versatile Dalot. Questions remain in attack, where inconsistent form from Alejandro Garnacho could see Mason Mount or Joshua Zirkzee stepping in, potentially partnered with Rasmus Hojlund in a fluid front line.
Looking back at their European journeys, Lyon’s resilience mirrors United’s own ebbs and flows. United survived tough away ties in Sociedad, Porto, and Viktoria Plzen, but can ill-afford another slow start on French soil. Meanwhile, Lyon's firepower and momentum create an intimidating environment in the cauldron-like Groupama Stadium, where United will be severely tested.
While the bookies may lean towards United’s experience and squad depth, the compelling narrative is Lyon's resurgence and fearless home record. As one commentator aptly noted about United, “on paper, good enough to win the Europa League,” but the game is played in the fiery reality of Lyon, where recent form may prove decisive.
United’s predicted line-up sees Onana in goal; Mazraoui, Maguire and the highly-rated Yoro in defence; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte and Dorgu across midfield; Fernandes and Garnacho supporting Zirkzee or Hojlund. Lyon are expected to counter with Perri; Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, and Tagliafico; Tessman, Matic; Cherki, Almada, Tolisso; with Mikautadze leading the line.
The tie promises a fascinating tactical battle: Lyon’s fluid, attacking style and fierce home support against a United desperate to rediscover their confidence and edge. The first leg provides ample opportunity for heroes—and potential heartbreak—as Europe’s secondary competition takes centre stage for these continental heavyweights.
Who will seize the initiative? Thursday night at the Groupama Stadium will tell. Fans worldwide will be eager to give their predictions: will Lyon’s form prove decisive or can United’s experience shine through away from home? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
