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Manchester United and Olympique Lyon are set to battle it out in the decisive second leg of their Europa League quarter-final at Old Trafford on Thursday, April 17, 2025, with kick-off at 20:00. After an exciting 2-2 draw in the first leg, both sides enter this match with everything to play for, as a semi-final place hangs in the balance.
Betting Preview and Predictions
A home win for Manchester United is the standout prediction, with odds of 1.74 suggesting strong confidence in their ability to get the job done in front of their supporters. Given how open the first leg was, another promising market is “both teams to score – yes,” currently priced at 1.67, reflecting the attacking threat both clubs pose.
Manchester United Overview
The Red Devils have enjoyed a solid Europa League campaign so far, remaining unbeaten through 11 matches with six victories and five draws. Finishing third in the expanded league phase, they have demonstrated both consistency and resilience. Their 2-2 draw in Lyon showcased the fighting spirit instilled by manager Rúben Amorim.
United’s strength lies in their balanced approach. With 23 goals scored and 13 conceded in the tournament, they’ve managed to find the net regularly while also maintaining defensive discipline. Amorim’s tactical structure emphasizes composure, pressing, and fluid buildup play, giving United a strong identity in European competition.
While their overall recent form includes 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat in their last five matches, United have proven to be difficult to beat at Old Trafford. With the backing of their home crowd and a clear objective in sight, the Premier League side will look to dictate the tempo and press for an early lead.
Olympique Lyon Overview
Lyon arrive in Manchester with confidence, knowing they can challenge a top-tier side. Their campaign in the Europa League has been impressive, recording six wins, four draws, and just one loss. In the group stage, they earned 15 points and finished sixth, showcasing their competitiveness at this level.
Led by manager Paulo Fonseca, Lyon bring a tactical approach built on quick passing, fluid movement, and sharp transitions. Their offensive output of 25 goals in 11 matches speaks volumes about their attacking efficiency. At the same time, conceding just 11 goals shows they have a defense capable of holding firm under pressure.
Their recent form has been slightly better than United’s, registering 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 defeat in their last five outings. The 2-2 result in the first leg gave them a psychological boost, proving they can go toe-to-toe with one of England’s most storied clubs.
Previous Meetings and Recent Form
The opening leg between these sides ended in a 2-2 thriller at the Groupama Stadium, a result that keeps the tie delicately balanced. Manchester United’s recent head-to-head record against Lyon also favors the English side, with two wins and two draws in their last four meetings.
Looking at current momentum, United’s last five matches show a mixed bag, while Lyon come into the return leg in marginally better shape. However, the setting of Old Trafford and the pressure of knockout football could prove decisive.
Prediction
This second leg is expected to be another closely contested match filled with intensity and attacking flair. Manchester United’s edge comes from their home advantage and their experience in navigating high-pressure European nights. However, Lyon’s fearless approach and offensive firepower mean they are far from out of the running.
Our prediction favors Manchester United to win narrowly and advance to the semi-finals, but not without a serious challenge from Lyon. With both teams likely to score, the match should provide another captivating chapter in this quarter-final showdown.
Prediction: Manchester United 2 – 1 Olympique Lyon
