Synopsis
On March 14, Manchester United and Tottenham secured spots in the Europa League quarterfinals. United triumphed over Real Sociedad with a 4-1 victory, while Spurs overturned a deficit against AZ Alkmaar. Fernandes and Odobert emerged as key players for their teams, leading them to success.Key Takeaways
- Manchester United wins 4-1 against Real Sociedad
- Bruno Fernandes scores the first treble of the Europa League season
- Wilson Odobert helps Spurs advance against AZ Alkmaar
- Manchester United to face Lyon next
- Tottenham will meet Eintracht Frankfurt
Manchester, March 14 (NationPress) Manchester United progressed to the Europa League quarterfinals with a convincing 4-1 (5-2 aggregate) win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes achieved the first treble of the Europa League season as United clinched their fifth consecutive last-16 tie in this tournament.
Despite La Real taking an early lead with a penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal, precise penalties from Fernandes around half-time and the dismissal of substitute Jon Aramburu shifted the momentum towards the hosts. Rasmus Hojlund assisted Fernandes for his third goal and also set up Diogo Dalot for a powerful strike late in the game.
"Confidence is crucial in football, especially at this club, where everyone is watching. We must consistently perform at our best to maintain that confidence," Fernandes stated to TNT Sports.
"The key is to support one another, both in the dressing room and during training. Everyone must realize we are here for each other," he continued.
In another match, Wilson Odobert scored his first goals for Spurs to help them overcome a first-leg deficit against AZ Alkmaar and reach the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League.
The Spurs took the lead when Heung-Min Son intercepted a clearance, allowing Dominic Solanke to set up Odobert for a goal. A brilliant counterattack finished by James Maddison put Tottenham ahead on aggregate just after the break, but Peer Koopmeiners from AZ leveled the tie.
However, a swift counter led to Solanke assisting Odobert, who scored the decisive third goal for the hosts in the 74th minute.
Manchester United will face Lyon in the quarterfinals, while Spurs are set to clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.
