Manchester United held to 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in Europa League First Leg

Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted a penalty to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in their Europa League last-16 first-leg clash on Thursday.

Despite a challenging season, Manchester United sees winning the competition as their only realistic pathway to next season’s Champions League, but they couldn’t hold onto their lead in Spain.

Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee gave Ruben Amorim’s side the advantage with his first goal in five matches, putting them ahead just before the hour mark. However, Bruno Fernandes conceded a penalty for a handball, which Oyarzabal confidently slotted home in the 70th minute.

The hosts came close to snatching a late winner but were denied on two occasions. The tie remains finely balanced as both teams head into next week’s second leg at Old Trafford