Europa League Tie in the Balance After United, Sociedad Draw
Joshua Zirkzee put Manchester United ahead, but a handball from Bruno Fernandes led to a penalty. Real Sociedad got a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 match. Even though United played well, they couldn’t turn their dominance into a win. Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty means the tie is even as they head back to Old Trafford for the second leg. United’s Europa League Tie Hangs in Balance.
ICYMT: Premier League Dominates Europe’s Richest Clubs
Zirkzee Scores First for United
United started the match strong, creating chances early and pressing high. Their first shot on target was in the 12th minute. Fernandes and Casemiro set up Alejandro Garnacho, but his shot was saved easily. Later, Diego Dalot found Fernandes, but his shot was blocked on the line by Aritz Elustondo, who also stopped Zirkzee’s attempt right after.
The first goal finally came in the 57th minute. Garnacho, who was active, passed the ball back to Zirkzee at the edge of the box. The Dutch forward shot it first-time between Benat Turrientes’ legs, sending it past the goalkeeper Alex Remiro to give United the lead they deserved.
United kept pushing for another goal, with Garnacho shooting just wide. But, Sociedad didn’t attack much until a VAR review changed the game.
VAR Gives Sociedad a Chance
With 20 minutes left, Sociedad won a corner. As United cleared it, Fernandes accidentally touched the ball with his hand in the box. At first, play continued, but after VAR official Pol van Boekel reviewed it, the referee Ivan Kruzliak went to the monitor. He then gave Sociedad a penalty.
Oyarzabal, who previously scored the winning goal for Spain in the Euro 2024 final, scored from the penalty spot. He shot it past Andre Onana to tie the game in the 70th minute. The crowd went wild as Sociedad took advantage of their first real chance.
Sociedad Pushes for a Late Goal
United looked tired from recent games and their thin squad. They had trouble regaining control. Sociedad saw an opportunity, with Brais Mendez testing Onana from a distance in the 77th minute. Nayef Aguerd then headed over from the corner, and Orri Oskarsson almost scored from a Sheraldo Becker cross, but missed.
Even with the late pressure, United’s defense held. Matthijs de Ligt recovered to clear a dangerous cross, and Onana made a big save in stoppage time to stop Oskarsson.
Everything to Be Decided at Old Trafford
Although United played better for most of the game, they couldn’t win. The result leaves the tie close as they go into next Thursday’s second leg at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s team will feel confident from their play, but they need to score when they have chances if they want to get to the quarter-finals. United’s Europa League Tie Hangs in Balance.
