Real Sociedad Hold Manchester United
Real Sociedad Hold Manchester United
Draw in Europa League Clash
Everything to Play for in the Second Leg
Real Sociedad secured a crucial 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at Reale Arena.
Zirkzee Strikes First
Manchester United took the lead in the 57th minute.
Joshua Zirkzee scored his first European goal for the club with a precise low strike from the edge of the box.
Alejandro Garnacho provided the assist, setting up the Dutch forward for a confident finish past goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
We're held to a draw in San Sebastian but it's all to play for in the second leg đź‘Š#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2025
Oyarzabal’s Equaliser
Real Sociedad responded in the 70th minute.
A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed a handball by Bruno Fernandes inside the box.
Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and converted the penalty, sending André Onana the wrong way to level the score.
Late Drama and Missed Opportunities
Manchester United controlled the game for nearly an hour.
Fernandes had a goal-bound effort cleared off the line in the first half.
He also came close with a free-kick that narrowly missed the target.
After Sociedad’s equaliser, momentum shifted.
Onana made crucial saves to deny Brais Méndez’s long-range effort and Orri Oskarsson’s close-range attempt in stoppage time.
Oskarsson also missed a golden opportunity earlier, failing to find the net from six yards.
Second Leg Awaits
The tie remains in the balance, with everything to play for at Old Trafford on 13 March.
Manchester United will aim to secure a quarter-final spot, while Real Sociedad will look to capitalise on their strong home performance.
