Real Sociedad came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday. The Spanish side found themselves trailing in the second half but responded with a well-taken penalty from captain Mikel Oyarzabal, setting up an intriguing second leg at Old Trafford next week.
Manchester United, struggling in their domestic campaign, viewed the Europa League as a potential lifeline for securing Champions League qualification. Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee gave them hope when he netted his first goal in five games, breaking the deadlock at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian after 58 minutes. However, their advantage did not last long.
United captain Bruno Fernandes was penalized for a handball in the box, gifting Real Sociedad a golden opportunity. Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot in the 70th minute, calmly sending goalkeeper Andre Onana the wrong way.
Real Sociedad nearly snatched victory in the dying moments, but Orri Oskarsson squandered two promising chances, failing to beat Onana when it mattered most. The result leaves the tie wide open, with everything to play for in the return leg.
“It’s a shame about those chances that escaped us at the end, but the tie is open, we’re going there alive, with a lot of desire,” said Oyarzabal.
United manager Ruben Amorim faced a selection headache due to a growing injury crisis, with key players like Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, and Luke Shaw unavailable. His attacking options were also limited, with Rasmus Hojlund enduring a 19-game goal drought, while Zirkzee’s strike was only his second in 17 appearances.
The first half lacked intensity, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. United had the better moments, but Real Sociedad defender Aritz Elustondo made crucial blocks to keep the visitors at bay.
In the second half, United increased their tempo, with Fernandes sending a free kick wide and Alejandro Garnacho firing into the side netting before Zirkzee finally broke the deadlock. Real Sociedad responded with their first real threat when Brais Mendez fired wide from distance, and soon after, they won the decisive penalty.
Oyarzabal, who famously scored the winner for Spain in the Euro 2024 final, delivered again, bringing his team level with their only shot on target. Onana was then called into action to deny Mendez’s curling effort before Sociedad pushed for a winner.
Oskarsson had the best chance to steal victory late on but failed to convert, ensuring the contest remains finely balanced heading into the second leg.
