Real Sociedad and Manchester United Draw; Athletic Bilbao Faces Last-Minute Defeat in Europa League
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Synopsis
On March 7, at the Reale Arena, Real Sociedad and Manchester United played to a 1-1 draw in their Europa League last-16 first leg. Athletic Bilbao experienced a last-second defeat against Roma, with Eldor Shomurodov scoring the decisive goal after Inaki Williams had initially put Athletic in front.
Key Takeaways
- Real Sociedad drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the Europa League.
- They missed Martin Zubimendi due to illness.
- Joshua Zirkzee scored for United; Mikel Oyarzabal equalized from the penalty.
- Athletic Bilbao lost to Roma after Eldor Shomurodov scored late.
- Inaki Williams initially scored for Athletic before the defeat.
Madrid, March 7 (NationPress) Real Sociedad and Manchester United ended their first leg Europa League last-16 encounter in a 1-1 draw at the Basque club's Reale Arena.
Before the match began, Real Sociedad faced a setback as Spain international Martin Zubimendi had to withdraw from the lineup due to illness. This absence made the team's play less fluid in the early stages against an opponent employing a five-man defense and looking to counterattack.
Alejandro Garnacho was the first to threaten, cutting inside for Manchester United, but his shot went directly at home goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
Both teams effectively closed down spaces, resulting in limited chances. Joshua Zirkzee came close for United, but his attempts were blocked by Aritz Elustondo, while Andre Onana of United had no saves to make.
In the second half, Garnacho had a promising opportunity following a well-executed free kick, but his shot went just wide of the post.
Zirkzee eventually put United ahead in the second half with a left-foot shot following a pass from Bruno Fernandes, who was slightly out of position. However, Real Sociedad equalized from the penalty spot with Mikel Oyarzabal converting after Fernandes unnecessarily handled during a corner.
Brais Mendez nearly secured a victory for Real Sociedad, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Onana.
Athletic Bilbao faced a heartbreaking moment in the dying seconds of their first leg against Roma, as Eldor Shomurodov netted the winning goal for the Italian side.
Inaki Williams opened the scoring with a close-range header in the 50th minute, but Angelino equalized just six minutes later. Athletic Bilbao had to defend the remaining minutes with 10 players after defender Yeray Alvarez received a second yellow card.
