Real Sociedad fought back to secure a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Manchester United in their Europa League last-16 first-leg clash on Thursday night.
United, desperate to salvage a disappointing season by winning the competition, took the lead through Joshua Zirkzee’s scrappy finish just before the hour mark. However, their advantage was undone when captain Bruno Fernandes conceded a penalty for handball, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to coolly convert from the spot in the 70th minute.
Despite a late push from the hosts, including missed chances from Orri Oskarsson, the tie remains finely balanced ahead of next week’s decisive second leg at Old Trafford.
United’s Mixed Performance
United entered the game with a depleted squad, missing key players like Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo due to injuries. Manager Ruben Amorim, already under pressure with his side languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, started with an out-of-form Rasmus Højlund, who extended his goal drought to 19 matches.
The first half lacked urgency, with neither team asserting dominance. United created the better chances, but solid defending from Real Sociedad’s Aritz Elustondo kept them at bay.
Real Sociedad’s Resilience
After a lackluster opening 45 minutes, the second half saw more action. Zirkzee finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, capitalizing on Alejandro Garnacho’s low cross.
Real Sociedad, determined to make an impact in the competition—especially with the Europa League final set to be played at their rivals’ Athletic Bilbao’s stadium—upped the intensity. A long-range effort from Brais Méndez went wide before Fernandes’ handball gifted them a penalty. Oyarzabal made no mistake, sending goalkeeper André Onana the wrong way.
The home side pressed for a late winner, but Onana produced a crucial save from Méndez’s curling strike, while Oskarsson squandered two golden chances in the dying minutes.
What’s Next?
With the tie level at 1-1, everything is to play for in the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday. The winner will face either French club Lyon or Romanian side FCSB in the quarter-finals.
Will United step up and keep their Europa League hopes alive, or can Real Sociedad complete the upset on English soil?
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