Lyon winger Malick Fofana has admitted the French side made a critical mistake against Manchester United.
Even by Manchester United standards, the win over Lyon was a dramatic night of truly epic proportions.
United were 4-2 down in extra-time, and an absolutely miserable end to the season awaited.
But when something is worth fighting for, you don’t give up. Manchester United gave it everything, sparking a dramatic comeback, winning 5-4, and 7-6 on aggregate.
Adding to earlier goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot, United scored three in the second half of extra time through Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire.
Lyon’s Malick Fofana makes admission
Manchester United’s players deserved their comeback victory, and for most of the game United were the better team. It was incredible that Lyon managed to score four times.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana is proud of the team’s efforts, but he admitted they made a critical mistake by easing up, when they led the game.
He told French outlet Linternaute: “I think everyone is disappointed. I think we played a very good match. In the end, it wasn’t enough.
“I think we slacked off a bit and we paid dearly for it. The penalty hurt us, the [away] crowd pushed us.
“In the end, we have to be more demanding of ourselves. It’s the first time I’ve felt emotions like that and I’ll remember it for a long time.”
Manchester United took full advantage
If Lyon slacked off in extra-time, then Manchester United were guilty of it midway through the second half.
Leading 2-0, Manchester United should have scored a third, and then as soon as Lyon netted one, Ruben Amorim’s side began to fall apart.
Somehow 4-2 up in extra-time, while being reduced to 10 men, Lyon then eased up, by Malick Fofana’s admission.
And with Manchester United reaching desperation mode, everything came together for a comeback fans will be watching again and again.
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