Ajax, Man United set up final clash in Europa League

Ajax and Manchester United labored through their respective opponents to set up the final matchup of UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

Ajax resisted Ligue 1 side Lyon's 3-1 home win to set the aggregate score at 5-4, while Man United built on their one-goal advantage in the first leg for a 2-1 aggregate against Celta Vigo.

Trailing by three goals, home side Lyon had no other option than attacking from the first minute, only to see their fragile defense broken down by their Dutch opponents in the 27th minute, when Kasper Dolberg beat Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes with a tricky shot. Lyon defender Rafael failed to clear the ball before the goal line.

Resilient Lyon made a strong comeback late in the first half with their top scorer Alexandre Lacazette's two goals in less than two minutes.

The hosts continued their attacking play in the second half. After Ajax player Donny van de Beek hit the crossbar, two substitutes managed to cut the deficit in aggregate to one goal for Lyon with nine minutes remaining, as Rachid Ghezzal headed Maciej Rybus' left-wing cross into the net.

Ajax defender Nick Viergever was sent off after receiving his second yellow card in the 84th minute. Four minutes later, Lyon wasted their best chance to level the score, as Maxwel Cornet saw his shot off the post.

Marouane Fellaini earned Man United a 1-0 lead on 17 minutes with a header, while that was erased by Facundo Roncaglia's shot at target with five minutes to go.

Man United, who relied more on the tournament title for an automatic qualification into next season's UEFA Champions League than a top-four finish in the league, will play Ajax in Stockholm, Sweden on May 24. Endit