All to play for in Europa League 2nd leg

Joshua Zirkzee netted his first European goal for Manchester United, but a second-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal saw Real Sociedad secure a 1-1 draw in their Europa League last-16 first-leg clash.

The Dutch forward put the visitors ahead 12 minutes into the second half, striking low from the edge of the box past goalkeeper Alex Remiro. Manchester United had dominated the game up to that point, with Bruno Fernandes coming close in the first half, only for his goal-bound effort to be cleared off the line by Aritz Elustondo.

However, Real Sociedad were handed a way back into the match when Fernandes was penalised for handball after a VAR review. Oyarzabal converted the resulting spot-kick, shifting the momentum in favour of the hosts.

Andre Onana, who had been untested before the penalty, was called into action late on, pushing away a 25-yard curling effort from Brais Mendez. Orri Oskarsson then missed two key chances, toe-poking wide from six yards before forcing Onana into a late save.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged his side’s attacking frustrations, saying, “One thing that I am sure – they’re anxious to score goals and win games. They are doing their best, but sometimes they are not deciding the best way in their position.”

The tie remains finely poised ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on 13 March, with Manchester United looking to keep their last remaining trophy hopes alive. Their Europa League campaign has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season, with the club unbeaten in Europe so far.

While they have been strong in the competition, Real Sociedad’s late resurgence in the first leg serves as a warning. Oskarsson may regret his missed chances, but Manchester United must ensure they do not leave qualification to chance when they host the return fixture.