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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><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_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</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><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltf0391eb913df74ce"}}</script>

'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

Lorient

Lyon

Premier League

Wolverhampton Wanderers

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 US

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;