Real Sociedad and Manchester United cannot be separated after playing out a 1-1 draw in the Europa League round of 16 first-leg tie at the Reale Arena. Manchester United opened the scoring after being on top through a sweet strike from Joshua Zirkzee in the 57th minute. Garnacho carried the ball down the right-hand side and into the box before pulling it back to Zirkzee on the edge, and he fired a low strike into the back of the net. Out of nowhere and not looking like scoring, Real Sociedad was awarded a dubious penalty after Fernandes handled inside the box. Oyarzabal stepped up and dispatched the ball into the bottom corner, sending Onana the wrong way. Neither side could find a winner, and they will go head-to-head again next week at Old Trafford in the second leg, with both sides looking to advance into the quarter-final.
The Red Devils went into the game losing just one of their last eight away games against Spanish opposition in European competitions. Manchester United's first away win against Spanish opposition came on April 23, 1968, during the European Cup semi-final against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. United won 1-0, with George Best scoring the decisive goal in the 53rd minute. However, their most recent defeat in such an encounter came at the hands of Sevilla in the second leg of the 2022-23 Europa League quarter-final.
On the other hand, Real Sociedad went into the game having won just one of their previous six European encounters against Manchester United (D2 L3), with that win coming in the group stage of this competition at Old Trafford in September 2022. They won that game 1-0 courtesy of a Brais Mendez penalty, which remains their only goal against them. La Real have never beaten an English side on home soil in Europe, failing to score in the last three matches (all against Man Utd).
How It Unfolded.
After a very tame exchange, Manchester United was the first to signal an intent. In the 36th minute, Garnacho found Dalot on the overlap with a delightful pass, and he fired a low cross to the penalty spot. Fernandes took a sizzling strike, but his effort was blocked on the line. Zirkzee picked the scraps up and fired one from close range, but Remiro made an excellent save! Zirkzee tried again, but he flicked it wide. They had three bites of the cherry but no luck.
Five minutes later, in the 41st minute, Manchester United knocked on the door again. Fernandes received the ball deep and played a fantastic pass over the top of the La Real defence. Dalot rose above Aguerd and headed the ball towards goal, but thankfully, it was straight down Remiro's throat for the Spanish side. The first half ended with Real Sociedad not recording a single shot on target. How it ended 0-0 was beyond the travelling supporters.
Real Sociedad started the second half like a house on fire and came very close in the 48th minute. Kubo drove down the right-hand side, darting past Mazraoui before delivering into the box. Oyarzabal got there first at the front post, but De Ligt made an excellent last-ditch challenge to fire away from danger.
In the 51st minute, Manchester United had another glorious opportunity to go 1-0 up. Zirkzee produced a clever flick for Dorgu, and he fired a low cross towards the back post. Garnacho was there to meet it from close range and had an excellent opportunity to score, but he somehow fired into the side netting. Zirkzee was back at it again in the 57th minute, sending the travelling fans into a frenzy. The Red Devils broke free as Dalot drove through the middle. He swept a sublime pass to Garnacho on the right, who then carried the ball towards the penalty area. He then pulled it back to the edge of the box for Zirkzee, who met it first-time with his right foot, and it flew into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Coach Imanol Alguacil shuffled his team around and threw on some fresh legs. Immediately Real Sociedad restored parity through Oyarzabal from the penalty spot after Fernades handled the ball in the box. Oyarzabal has scored his 11th goal in a major European competition for Real Sociedad, more than any other player for the club. The Reale Arena went ballistic after that equalizer, sending Onana the wrong way.
With their confidence high as the Eiffel Tower and the game at a fever pitch level, Real Sociedad began turning the screws five minutes before full-time Becker squared up one-on-one with Mazraoui and delivered a teasing ball to the back post towards Oskarsson. He was free, but De Ligt slipped but made a miraculous last-ditch challenge to fire away from danger. Coach Ruben Amorim made a few alterations, one which angered Garnarcho, who had a sub-par game, but it was Real Sociedad who had the last bite at the cherry.
With four minutes added to the 90 minutes Oskarsson came close to adding another to his tally. He was played behind the United defence and had only Onana to beat. He sent a thunderous volley towards the goal, but Onana made a strong save to his right to palm away from danger. The game finally grinds to a halt, and Real Sociedad is sent to Old Trafford next for the return leg.
Manchester United starting XI 3-4-3
André Onana (Goalkeeper): 8/10
Despite going the wrong way on the penalty kick, he made several jaw-dropping saves to set up a dicey second leg.
Diogo Dalot (Right-Back): 5/10
Dalot was not at his usual best defensively but offered a little more offensively and should have scored.
Leny Yoro (Center-Back): 6/10
He was taken off in the game's latter stages despite showing composure while United’s defence was under duress.
Matthijs de Ligt (Center-Back): 7.5/10
His experience and leadership qualities were at its peak today in crucial moments.
Noussair Mazraoui (Left-Back): 6.5/10
Put in a tidy shift today both defensively and offensively, one cannot question his footballing IQ.
Casemiro (Defensive Midfield): 7.5/10
He controlled the tempo while providing that protective shield in the middle of the park, finally displaying what he was brought into the team to do.
Patrick Dorgu (Midfield): 6.5/10
He looked comfortable in defence and holding his shape, but he needs to work on his passing. His poor passing almost cost the team.
Bruno Fernandes (Midfield): 5/10
Provided incisive forward passes but was involved in the handball and got a silly yellow card. Much more is expected of the captain.
Alejandro Garnacho (Left Wing): 6/10
He has not scored since November of last year and should have opened the scoring today despite his assist to Zirkzee's goal with a precise pass.
Joshua Zirkzee (Striker): 8/10
Scoring his first European goal for Manchester United with a well-taken first-time finish. His movement and link-up play were effective throughout his time on the pitch—one of his best games.
Rasmus Højlund (Right Wing): 6/10
Lacking confidence, his goal drought continues. He worked hard off the ball and made intelligent runs, but was still far from his usual best.
Ruben Amorim (coach): 7/10
Rúben Amorim secured a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena. Amorim's tactical approach was evident in United's performance, particularly in their pressing game and defensive organization.