Real Sociedad And Manchester United End Europa League First Leg In 1-1 Draw Following Oyarzabal's Penalty

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Real Sociedad and Manchester United ended their Europa League last-16 first leg in a 1-1 draw, setting up an intriguing second leg. Mikel Oyarzabal's penalty cancelled out Joshua Zirkzee's opener for the visitors. Bruno Fernandes was penalised for handball, allowing Sociedad to equalise. Despite having better chances, United couldn't secure a lead by half-time.

In the opening half, Diogo Dalot set up Fernandes, whose shot was blocked on the line. Alex Remiro then denied Zirkzee, who missed the rebound. The second half saw United start strongly with Alejandro Garnacho hitting the side-netting before Zirkzee scored from Garnacho's cross after Rasmus Hojlund created space.

Against the run of play, Sociedad were awarded a penalty when Fernandes' raised arm was struck by the ball during a clearance attempt. VAR confirmed the decision, and Oyarzabal converted from 12 yards with a composed finish, sending Andre Onana the wrong way.

Sociedad pushed for a winner late in the game. Onana made crucial saves to deny Brais Mendez and Orri Oskarsson, who had earlier missed from close range. The match ended with both teams level, leaving everything to play for in the return fixture.

Under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United remain unbeaten in this Europa League campaign. However, they might feel aggrieved by the penalty decision against them. This marked Fernandes' third penalty concession across competitions and his second in this tournament since February 2023 against Barcelona.

Oyarzabal's successful spot-kick brought his tally to 11 goals in major European competitions for Sociedad, more than any other player at the club. Despite creating better opportunities in the first half, United struggled to capitalise on them.

The Red Devils have found it challenging to score early under Amorim recently. After netting early goals in his initial three matches as manager, they have managed this feat only three times in their subsequent 21 games.