La Real Sociedad achieved an impressive victory in its Europa League debut. The clash was played at Old Trafford, the same venue where they lost in the Champions League almost a decade ago and where they drew last season. A memorable game that will go down in history.
The txuri urdin team was solid and determined from the very first whistle. With 15 minutes on the clock, la Real enjoyed their first chance but Silva's pass failed to find a finisher in the box. Manchester created a string of chances, but they ended in corners. Then, the referee disallowed the home side's goal for offside by Cristiano Ronaldo on 36’. It remained goalless at the break.
La Real made some changes at the break and Sorloth came on to replace Sadiq. La Real looked to get ahead, and Sorloth almost managed to do so in with a header that went over the bar. He also failed to finish a great assist from Kubo. Finally, on 59’ la Real broke the deadlock after a penalty scored by Brais Méndez. Since then, Imanol's side had the control of the game and just enjoyed themselves.
What a victory to kick off the European competition. A win for the sake of prestige and history. The team's ambition continues to grow. Let's enjoy it, go Real!
Match sheet:
Manchester United: De Gea, Dalot (Lisandro, min.46), Maguire, Lindelof, Malacia (McNeill, min.83), Casemiro, Fred, Eriksen (Bruno Fernandes, min.46), Antony (Sancho, min.71), Elanga (Garnacho, min.71) and Ronaldo.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel (Sola, min.84), Artiz (cap), Pacheco, Aihen, Zubimendi, Merino, Brais Méndez (Turrientes, min.84), Silva (Cho, min.65), Take (Barrenetxea, min.78) and Sadiq (Sorloth, min.46).
Goal: 0-1: Brais Méndez (p), min. 59.
Referee: Marco De Bello (Italy). Booked Lisandro and Fred for Manchester United and Silva, Aihen and Turrientes for RealSociedad.
*An emotional minute's silence was held in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.