Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad calmly converted a penalty to ensure Manchester United left San Sebastian with only a 1-1 draw in their Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday night.
As the Red Devils grapple with a dismal season, their only realistic chance at securing Champions League football lies in winning this tournament. However, they couldn’t maintain their lead in this clash.
Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch forward, found the net for the first time in five matches, putting Ruben Amorim’s team ahead shortly before the hour mark. Yet, a handball by Bruno Fernandes led to Oyarzabal equalising from the spot in the 70th minute.
In a frantic finish, Real Sociedad almost clinched a late winner, only for Orri Oskarsson to squander two opportunities. The tie remains delicately balanced ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford next Thursday.
“Before the penalty, I felt the team was in control; everything changed with that call… We head to Old Trafford aiming for a victory,” Amorim told the media.
“(The players) are eager to score and win matches.”
Due to an injury crisis, Amorim had just 18 players available, with Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte joining Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Luke Shaw on the treatment table.
Upfront, the Portuguese coach opted for Rasmus Hojlund, who extended his goal drought to 19 matches. Meanwhile, Zirkzee now has two goals in his last 17 outings.
“We need to be more ruthless with our chances – we had plenty today,” Zirkzee stated during an interview with TNT Sports.
“I’m pleased to score, but ultimately, it’s about winning, and we didn’t manage that today.”
Amorim had mentioned that winning the tournament wasn’t “crucial” but could be pivotal in salvaging a troubled season, as the club languishes in 14th place in the Premier League and is out of all other cup competitions.
The first half was largely uneventful, with neither side showcasing significant attacking prowess. However, United did come closest to breaking the deadlock.
Real Sociedad defender Aritz Elustondo made crucial blocks against shots from Fernandes and Zirkzee, as Manchester United edged the first 45 minutes.
Sociedad faced their own difficulties domestically, sitting ninth in La Liga. With the Europa League final set to take place at their rivals Athletic Bilbao’s home ground, they would dearly love to secure victory at San Mames.
Manager Imanol Alguacil welcomed back Takefusa Kubo, Oyarzabal, and Luka Sucic, who had missed the 4-0 defeat by Barcelona in La Liga due to suspensions and injuries. However, La Real were left wanting without their midfield maestro, Martin Zubimendi, who was sidelined.
‘The tie remains open’
Starting the second half with added dynamism, Fernandes sent a free-kick wide, and Alejandro Garnacho struck the side-netting when well-positioned.
United finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Zirkzee bundled the ball home from Garnacho’s cross, leaving Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Alex Remiro frustrated not to have saved it.
Brais Mendez looked to respond with a long-range effort, but it went wide, signalling Sociedad’s first serious threat of the second half.
Shortly afterward, they were awarded a penalty when United captain Fernandes was penalised for handling the ball in the area while attempting to clear a corner.
Oyarzabal, who scored the match-winner for Spain in the Euro 2024 final against England, expertly slotted the penalty past United keeper Andre Onana, sending him the wrong way with Sociedad’s first shot on target.
Onana redeemed himself with a good save from Mendez’s long-range strike as La Real found their rhythm.
Oskarsson had the chance to give Real Sociedad a late victory but squandered a superb opportunity wide and saw another shot expertly saved by Onana in the dying moments.
“It’s disappointing to miss those chances at the end, but the tie is still alive; we’re going there with a lot of ambition,” Oyarzabal remarked.
“Prior to the goal, we struggled to create chances, but I don’t believe we suffered too much defensively either.”
The victor of this tie will meet French side Lyon or Romanian opponents FCSB in the quarter-finals.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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