2024-25 Europa League Quarter-Finals Preview - Lyon vs. Man Utd: Can Les Gones banish the Red Devils from Groupama Stadium? April 10, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The 2024-25 UEFA Europa League quarter-finals promise high drama as Lyon hosts Manchester United in the first leg on April 10, 2025. The clash kicks off at 8:00 PM BST at the Groupama Stadium and brings together two European powerhouses, each eager to take a step closer to continental silverware. With a spot in the semi-finals on the line, both sides will be determined to gain a crucial edge before the return leg at Old Trafford.

There's added intrigue to this tie thanks to the historical meetings between the two clubs. Lyon and Manchester United have faced off four times in major European competitions, with United unbeaten in those encounters - recording two wins and two draws. Their first showdown came in the 2004 Champions League group stage, resulting in a 2-2 draw, where Ruud van Nistelrooy bagged a brace. The return fixture saw United claim a 2-1 victory. They later met in the 2008 Champions League Round of 16, where Carlos Tevez salvaged a 1-1 draw in France, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal in the return leg at Old Trafford. Lyon has yet to beat United in European play, though they've had similarly tough luck against other continental giants like Barcelona.

Lyon vs. Man Utd Sports Bet Odds

Les Gones are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Les Gones are favored by 1 point, with a full-time result of 2.55.
• The Red Devils are the underdogs by 1 point, with a full-time result of 2.75.
• Draw has a full-time result of 3.25.
• Total Goals is set at 2.5 points, with the Under at 2.00 and the Over at 1.80.

Lyon enters the quarter-finals in fine form, having won six of their last seven matches. Their recent 2-1 comeback win over Lille in Ligue 1 underscored their resilience, with Alexandre Lacazette scoring from the penalty spot and Rayan Cherki finding the net to seal the victory—lifting them to fifth place in the league. Cherki has been a standout in this season's Europa League, matching the record for most assists in a single campaign with eight. Only Dries Mertens has created more chances than Cherki in the 2024/25 competition. Lyon's route to the quarter-finals included a commanding 4-0 win over FCSB in the Round of 16, their biggest European win since 2017, featuring braces from Georges Mikautadze and Ernest Nuamah. With 23 goals scored so far in this season's Europa League, Lyon is enjoying one of their most prolific European campaigns.

However, they'll face some hurdles heading into the first leg. Winger Malick Fofana is sidelined with a knee injury, and several players are walking a disciplinary tightrope, risking suspension. Manager Paulo Fonseca will be back on the touchline after serving a nine-month ban, adding a boost to Lyon's bench presence.

Manchester United, meanwhile, arrives in Lyon amid inconsistent domestic form. Their latest Premier League outing ended in a 0-0 draw with Manchester City. In the Europa League, however, United have been a dominant force, suffering just one loss in their last 21 matches—a defeat to Sevilla in April 2023. Bruno Fernandes has been a standout performer in the competition, holding the all-time record for most goal involvements (41), with 24 goals and 17 assists. He also leads in goals and assists during the knockout stages.

Injury concerns continue to plague United. Lisandro Martínez is out for the season following ACL surgery, while Jonny Evans is nursing a back issue. Midfield sensation Kobbie Mainoo is working his way back from a calf injury and could be in contention, while Amad Diallo is also progressing in his recovery.

The stage is set for a compelling and tactical contest. Lyon's attacking momentum and home advantage pose a real threat, but Manchester United's European pedigree and key players give them plenty of firepower. With both clubs eyeing a spot in the final four, this first leg promises to be a tightly contested battle that could swing on a single moment of brilliance.