Manchester United and Real Sociedad remain level in their Europa League Round of 16 tie after a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Reale Arena. Joshua Zirkzee put the visitors ahead in the second half, but Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty ensured the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford.
United started strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances. Bruno Fernandes came close in the first half when his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Aritz Elustondo, while the Portuguese midfielder also sent a free-kick narrowly wide.
The breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Alejandro Garnacho set up Zirkzee, who struck a precise low shot past Alex Remiro to give Erik ten Hag’s side a deserved lead. It was the Dutch forward’s first European goal for the club, marking a key moment in the match.
However, the hosts found a way back in the 69th minute. A VAR review penalized Fernandes for handball inside the box, and Oyarzabal made no mistake from the spot, sending André Onana the wrong way to level the score.
The equalizer shifted the momentum, with Real Sociedad pushing for a late winner. Onana was forced into a couple of crucial saves, denying Brais Méndez’s long-range effort and stopping Orri Oskarsson from close range in stoppage time. Despite the pressure, United held firm to secure the draw.
With the tie still wide open, the second leg at Old Trafford on March 13 promises to be an intense battle as both sides fight for a place in the Europa League quarter-finals. United will be eager to capitalize on home advantage as they look to keep their European campaign alive.
