The new Toni Kroos! Who is Liverpool-linked Angelo Stiller?

Kiwior's hard work undone to leave Liverpool on the brink

How do Chelsea properly challenge Barca for the UWCL?

The best Didier Drogba interview you'll ever read

You sure, Trent? Liverpool more primed for success than Madrid

Editors' Picks

'That's not his job!' - Keane defends Rashford with Watkins claim

Emery blasted for 'crime' of putting Watkins 'up for sale'

Benzema goes viral for savage response to Ronaldo Golden Boot question 

Life without Lewandowski is painful for Barca! 

Figo backs Ronaldo to lead Portugal's 2026 World Cup bid

Man Utd strike agreement for first summer signing

 Andrew Giuliani expected to run White House '26 WC Task force

Man Utd reach agreement for Osimhen as final price tag revealed

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Rafael shed light on Man Utd and Lyon's Europa League clash</li><li>Brazilian played for both clubs</li><li>First leg of quarter-final tie ended in a 2-2 draw</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'More technical, more intelligent' - Man Utd told why Lyon are superior ahead of Europa League quarter-final second leg as defender who played for both insists Ligue 1 side are 'better with the ball'

Ligue 1

Lyon

Rennes

Premier League

Bournemouth

Manchester United

<p>Ahead of the Europa League quarter-final second leg, former defender Rafael, who has represented both clubs, has claimed that the French outfit hold the upper hand over the English side, praising the former for being “more technical, more intelligent, and better with the ball.”</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>“With the ball, I think Lyon has a better team than United. They’re more technical, more intelligent. But the match takes place at Old Trafford, and United are the favourites," Rafael told <em>L'Equipe</em> (h/t <a href="https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2025/rafael-on-manchester-united-lyon-with-the-ball-i-think-lyon-are-the-better-team/" target="_blank">Get French Football News</a>).</p>

WHAT RAFAEL SAID

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-utd-player-ratings-vs-lyon-andre-onana-leny-yoro-joshua-zirkzee/blt59fb2d15ac532a73" target="_blank">The first leg was an entertaining affair between Lyon and Manchester United</a> at the Groupama Stadium as 21-year-old Rayan Cherki scored the equaliser in stoppage time just minutes after Joshua Zirkzee had made it 2-1 for the Red Devils.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The two teams will now meet at Old Trafford on Thursday, April 17. The winner of this tie will face either Athletic Club or Rangers in the semi-finals.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'More technical, more intelligent' - Man Utd told why Lyon are superior ahead of Europa League quarter-final second leg as defender who played for both insists Ligue 1 side are 'better with the ball' | Goal.com

Rafael, who played for both Manchester United and Lyon, has backed the Ligue 1 giants to progress as he believes they are &quot;better with the ball.&quot;

&apos;More technical, more intelligent&apos; - Man Utd told why Lyon are superior ahead of Europa League quarter-final second leg as defender who played for both insists Ligue 1 side are &apos;better with the ball&apos;

Next matches