Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in Spain, leaving their Europa League last-16 tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee Opens His European Account
⚽ 57′ – Joshua Zirkzee Puts United Ahead
Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee scored his first European goal for United, firing a low strike from the edge of the box past goalkeeper Alex Remiro to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Bruno’s Handball Proves Costly
⚽ 74′ – Mikel Oyarzabal Equalizes from the Spot
Real Sociedad found a way back into the game after Bruno Fernandes was penalized for handball, following a VAR review. Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly slotted home the resulting penalty.
United’s Missed Chances
Fernandes’ Goal-Bound Strike Cleared: In the first half, the United captain was denied a goal by Aritz Elustondo, who made a crucial clearance off the line.
Set-Piece Threat: Fernandes also came close from a free-kick, which went narrowly wide.
Late Sociedad Pressure: After the equalizer, Brais Méndez’s 25-yard effort forced a smart save from André Onana, while Orri Oskarsson missed two key chances—including one in stoppage time, which Onana saved brilliantly.
What’s Next?
With the tie level at 1-1, the second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday, 13 March will decide who advances to the quarter-finals. United will look to capitalize on home advantage, but Real Sociedad have shown they can pose a threat.
Can Erik ten Hag’s side finish the job at home, or will Sociedad spring a surprise? The return leg promises to be a thrilling encounter!
