Amidst the excitement of Manchester United`s dramatic 7-6 win over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, Casemiro`s crucial contribution to the comeback was initially missed.
Bruno Fernandes started the fightback with a penalty, followed by Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire scoring late goals in extra time, sending fans at Old Trafford into frenzy.
However, Casemiro`s pivotal role in all three goals was not immediately recognised.
Despite a promising start at Man Utd, the £70m Brazilian midfielder has faced criticism for his performances over the past two seasons, often appearing tired and making costly errors leading to goals.
Against Lyon, the 33-year-old demonstrated his quality and resilience, contributing to all three extra-time goals for Man Utd.
Firstly, with Lyon leading 4-2, Casemiro entered the box and was fouled, earning a penalty, which Fernandes converted successfully.
He then contributed again, receiving the ball at the edge of the box and passing to Mainoo.
The young player, turning 20 this weekend, skillfully moved past his defender and curled a shot into the bottom corner, past goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
Immediately after the game resumed, Casemiro received the ball on the left, turned, and drove towards the goal.
He then delivered a perfect cross to the far post, where Maguire headed in the winning goal.
Beyond his assists, Casemiro also excelled in his defensive duties.
He led Man Utd in duels won (nine) and chances created against Lyon, also making three tackles, regaining possession seven times, and making eight clearances.
Following the intense match, fans praised Casemiro`s performance throughout the exhausting 120 minutes.
On social media, one fan exclaimed, `Build Casemiro a statue! I didn`t even realize he assisted all three late goals.`
Another fan commented, `Two assists and winning a penalty, all in extra time. Casemiro, ladies and gentlemen!`
A third simply stated, `Never doubt the goat.`
Another remarked, `Man United showed the comeback spirit we wanted from Real Madrid yesterday. Casemiro, with two assists in the comeback, still has that Real Madrid clutch gene.`
A fifth fan joked, `Uncle Casemiro saw Rice play against Real Madrid and wanted to remind everyone that the Godfather is still here.`
A sixth fan wrote, `I genuinely felt like I was watching 2017 UCL Casemiro tonight. Monumental performance, 120 minutes of excellence, ending with two assists and a penalty won in seven minutes?! Wow.`
Casemiro`s heroics have propelled Man Utd to the Europa League semi-finals, where they will face Athletic Bilbao, who defeated Rangers 2-0 on aggregate.
However, they face a historical challenge as Man Utd hasn`t defeated Athletic Bilbao since 1957.
Man Utd has played Athletic Bilbao four times, losing the last two in 2012 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Overall, Man Utd has a poor record against Spanish teams, with only 23 wins in 76 games (30.26% win rate).
The semi-final matches are scheduled for May 1st and 8th, with the second leg at Old Trafford.
Manchester United scored three goals in seven incredible minutes to defeat Lyon in a memorable night at Old Trafford.
Man Utd seemed to be performing at their best under manager Ruben Amorim, taking a 2-0 lead.
However, after conceding a goal, their performance dipped, allowing Lyon to equalize and force extra time.
Even Corentin Tolisso`s red card couldn`t lift Man Utd as Lyon dominated much of extra time.
Goals from Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty seemed to secure victory for Lyon, before Casemiro was fouled, and Fernandes scored the penalty.
Mainoo and Maguire then scored in extra-time stoppage time, securing an improbable victory.
Here are SunSport`s Phil Thomas` player ratings for this rollercoaster night.
