Man Utd Draw 1-1 in Spain; Spurs Defeated in Europa League Last 16

AFP | London
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday. Meanwhile, Tottenham faced a 1-0 defeat to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Joshua Zirkzee gave United the lead in San Sebastian with a well-struck shot from just outside the box on the 57th minute. However, Real Sociedad quickly equalized when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Bruno Fernandes was penalized for a handball.

United goalkeeper Andre Onana made two crucial saves to keep the score level as Sociedad pressed for a winner. The match remains finely balanced heading into next week’s second leg at Old Trafford.

“We had control of the game until the penalty, and after that, it changed the momentum a bit,” said United manager Ruben Amorim, reflecting on the match’s turning point.

Zirkzee, who had missed a decisive penalty in United's FA Cup shootout loss to Fulham last week, redeemed himself with his first goal in Europe this season. His sharp, low drive from 20 yards gave United the advantage, but the penalty conceded by Fernandes ultimately leveled the score.

Amorim admitted his team struggled in the final 30 minutes, adding, “We were really, really tired. Now, we take the tie back to Old Trafford, where the pressure will be on us. We need to be ready for a different kind of game.”

The tie is set up for an exciting return leg at Old Trafford next week.