The UEFA Europa League last-16 battle between Real Sociedad and Manchester United ended in a tense 1-1 draw.
The match, played at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, saw both teams put on a strong fight, leaving the tie wide open ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee Strikes First for United
Manchester United opened the scoring in the 57th minute when Joshua Zirkzee fired a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty box.
The strike caught Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro off guard, rolling into the net to give the visitors the lead.
It was a vital moment for Zirkzee, who netted his first European goal for United in an important knockout match.
Before the goal, both teams had struggled to break each other down. United dominated possession, with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund threatening on the wings.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, focused on their solid defensive structure, waiting for the right moment to counterattack.
VAR Controversy and Oyarzabal’s Equalizer
Just when it seemed like United would take a crucial first-leg victory, Real Sociedad found a way back.
In the 70th minute, the referee awarded the hosts a penalty after a VAR review confirmed that Bruno Fernandes had handled the ball inside the box.
Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly sent Andre Onana the wrong way, making it 1-1. The goal sparked life into the home side, who pushed for a late winner.
Despite several chances in the dying minutes, United held firm to ensure the match ended in a draw.
United’s Missed Chances
Despite controlling most of the game, Manchester United will feel they should have left Spain with a win.
Diogo Dalot came close in the first half with a glancing header, while Fernandes and Garnacho had clear chances that were denied by the Sociedad defense.
Zirkzee, who scored the opener, admitted after the match that the team must be more ruthless in front of goal.
“We created many chances, but we need to be more clinical,” he said. “The tie is still open, and we have to finish the job at Old Trafford.”
Real Sociedad’s Late Push
After their equalizer, Real Sociedad came alive. They created several scoring opportunities, with substitute Orri Oskarsson coming close twice.
His first effort went just wide, while his second shot was well saved by Onana.
Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil was pleased with his team’s fightback but admitted they needed to do more in the return leg. “We reacted well after falling behind,” he said. “We must go to Old Trafford and show the same spirit.”
Second Leg Decider at Old Trafford
With the score tied at 1-1, everything will be decided in Manchester next week.
The winner will advance to the quarter-finals, where they could face either Lyon or FCSB.
United will have home advantage, but Real Sociedad has proven they are no pushovers.
Before the second leg, both teams will return to domestic action.
United will face a tough English Premier League match against Arsenal, while Sociedad will take on Sevilla in La Liga. These games will be key in shaping their form ahead of next week’s Europa League showdown.
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