Olympique Lyonnais, currently sitting third in Ligue 1, will take on Manchester United in tonight’s Europa League quarter-final at the Stade de Lyon. The French side, managed by Peter Bosz, has reached this stage after a 3-1 aggregate victory over Spanish outfit Granada, while Manchester United, under interim manager Ralf Rangnick, edged past Atalanta with a 4-2 aggregate win. The match kicks off at 20:00 BST, with Lyonnais aiming to reach their first European final since 2010, while United seeks to secure a place in the competition’s showpiece event for the first time since 2017. Both teams have been dealing with injuries, with Lyonnais missing suspended midfielder Bruno Guimarães, while United will be without Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani.
Lyon and Manchester United lock horns in crucial Europa League showdown
Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester United are set to face each other in a crucial Europa League quarter-final clash tonight. The match, to be held at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, will determine which team advances to the semi-finals of the competition.
Both teams have announced their starting line-ups for the highly anticipated encounter. Lyon manager Peter Bosz has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Alexandre Lacazette leading the attack. Manchester United, meanwhile, will field a 4-3-3 formation, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial supporting Edinson Cavani up front.
Lyon’s defence will be marshalled by captain Jason Denayer, who will be tasked with containing United’s potent attack. The French side’s midfield will be anchored by Bruno Guimarães and Houssem Aouar, who will look to control the tempo of the game.
Manchester United, on the other hand, will rely on the experience of Nemanja Matić and Fred to shield their defence. The Red Devils’ attack will be spearheaded by Cavani, who has been in fine form this season, netting 16 goals in all competitions.
Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in their domestic leagues, with Lyon struggling in Ligue 1 and United fighting for a top-four finish in the Premier League. However, the Europa League provides an opportunity for both sides to salvage their seasons and secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting world-class talent and a hunger for success. Fans can expect an intense battle as Lyon and Manchester United lock horns in what is sure to be a memorable night of football.
Teams announce starting line-ups for tonight's high-stakes encounter
Olympique Lyonnais has named a strong starting line-up for tonight’s Europa League semi-final against Manchester United. The French side will be led by captain Alexandre Lacazette, who will partner Rayan Cherki in attack. Midfield maestro Houssem Aouar retains his place, with Bruno Guimarães providing defensive cover.
Manager Peter Bosz has opted for a familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Anthony Lopes in goal. The defence features Cornelis, Denayer, and Lukeba, while Caqueret completes the midfield trio. Lyon’s attack will be spearheaded by Cherki and Lacazette, with Toko Ekambi providing width on the left.
Manchester United, meanwhile, has made several changes from their last outing. Manager Erik ten Hag has handed starts to Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. The Dutchman has also recalled Raphael Varane to the defence, with Harry Maguire dropping to the bench.
United will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Andre Onana in goal. The defence consists of Dalot, Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo will anchor the midfield, with Bruno Fernandes, Rashford, and Garnacho providing creativity. Marcus Rashford expressed his excitement ahead of the clash.
“Tonight is a massive game for us,” Rashford told reporters. “We know Lyon are a strong side, but we’re ready for the challenge.” The match kicks off at 20:00 BST at the Groupama Stadium.
United aim to secure crucial away goal in first leg of Europa League semi-final
Olympique Lyonnais will face Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final clash tonight. The match kicks off at 20:00 BST at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon.
Lyon manager Peter Bosz has confirmed his starting lineup, with Bruno Guimarães returning from suspension. The Brazilian midfielder will be crucial in breaking down United’s defence. Lyon’s attack will be led by Alexandre Lacazette, who has scored four goals in his last five Europa League appearances.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has opted for a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Marcus Rashford starts on the left wing, while Anthony Martial leads the line. United will be looking to secure an away goal, with Solskjær stating, “An away goal would be massive for us.”
United’s defence will be tested by Lyon’s pacey forwards. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf will need to be at their best to keep Lyon’s attack at bay. In midfield, Scott McTominay and Fred will look to disrupt Lyon’s rhythm.
Lyon’s defence will be marshalled by Jason Denayer, who has impressed this season. The French side will need to be wary of United’s counter-attacks, with Bruno Guimarães and Houssem Aouar tasked with tracking back.
The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both managers setting up their teams to nullify each other’s strengths. Lyon’s home advantage could prove crucial, but United will be looking to make a statement in the first leg.
Lyon's formidable home record tested by Ole Gunnar Solskjær's resilient Red Devils
Olympique Lyonnais will look to extend their impressive home record in European competition when they face Manchester United in tonight’s Europa League clash at the Groupama Stadium. The French side has lost only one of their last 17 home matches in the Europa League, with their last defeat coming against Sporting CP in the 2019-20 season.
Manchester United, meanwhile, will be eager to build on their strong start to the competition. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side has won both of their opening group stage matches, including a 4-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in their last outing. The Red Devils will be without several key players for the match, including Marcus Rashford, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Lyonnais manager Peter Bosz has warned his players not to underestimate the threat posed by United. “They are a very strong team with a lot of quality,” Bosz said ahead of the match. “We need to be at our best to have a chance of winning.”
United midfielder Scott McTominay has expressed his excitement at the prospect of facing Lyonnais. “They are a very good side with a lot of talent,” McTominay said. “But we are confident and ready for the challenge.”
The match kicks off at 20:00 local time, with temperatures expected to be around 10 degrees Celsius. The referee for the match is Anastasios Papapetrou from Greece.
Clash of European heavyweights promises thrills as Lyon host Manchester United
Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester United are set to face off in tonight’s Europa League quarter-final, with both teams fielding strong line-ups. Lyon’s coach, Peter Bosz, has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with key players like Bruno Guimarães and Houssem Aouar starting. Manchester United, meanwhile, will line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 shape, with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford leading the attack.
Lyon’s defence will be anchored by Jason Denayer and Marcelo, with the latter expected to provide crucial experience. United’s defence features Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who will aim to stifle Lyon’s creative midfield. In goal, Anthony Lopes will start for Lyon, while Dean Henderson gets the nod for United.
Midfield battles will be pivotal, with Lyon’s Guimarães and Aouar looking to outmanoeuvre United’s Fred and Scott McTominay. United’s midfield duo will need to provide both defensive cover and attacking thrust. Up front, Lyon’s Moussa Dembélé will look to trouble United’s defence, while United’s Rashford and Mason Greenwood will aim to capitalise on any defensive lapses.
Both teams have shown strong form in the Europa League this season, with Lyon eliminating Roma and Porto, while United have overcome AC Milan and Granada. Tonight’s clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two European heavyweights.
As the final whistle blows in Lyon, both teams will turn their attention to the return leg at Old Trafford next week. The winner of this tie will advance to the quarter-finals, with the prospect of a European campaign extending into May. For Manchester United, victory would mark a significant step in their quest to secure European football next season. Meanwhile, Lyon aims to build on their impressive domestic form and make a deep run in the Europa League, their last remaining trophy chance this season.
