It is difficult to understand that such refereeing decisions are made in Europe. It was absolutely disgraceful. A brave and proud Real Sociedad could not advance due to decisions that have consistently favored United. An unfounded penalty and a questionable red card forced Real to accept defeat, despite their great effort.
Real players started the match with high energy, applying pressure effectively and advancing up the pitch with relative ease. After an initial attempt by Kubo, the referee, after consulting VAR, awarded a penalty for a foul by De Ligt on Oyarzabal. The captain converted the penalty, putting Real Sociedad ahead. However, the home team quickly equalized with another very dubious penalty, this time for a foul by Zubeldia on Hojlund, allowing Bruno to score and level the match. Despite this, Real remained strong on the field. The home team’s scorer had a great opportunity to give his side the lead, but his attempt went wide, barely missing the post. During injury time in the first half, Marín first saw his shot deflected by the defense, and then Becker unleashed a strong shot from the edge of the area that was saved by Onana, leaving a good impression for Imanol's team as they went into the break.
At the beginning of the second half, the French referee disgracefully awarded a completely non-existent penalty. It is shameful that such a decision is made in Europe. Bruno scored again, putting United in front. To make matters worse, during a counterattack, the referee issued a direct red card to Aramburu, which was also questionable. He seemed to call every possible foul against Real. Additionally, he awarded another penalty that the United forward, Dorgu, had to clarify was not a foul. Bruno capped off his performance with a third goal in the final minutes. With Real demoralized, Dalot added a fourth goal in stoppage time.
Real Sociedad bids farewell to the Europa League with immense frustration. Today, they made it impossible for them. We will return. We are Real
Match sheet:
Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Heaven, Casemiro (Collyer, min.79), Bruno (cap), Dalot, Dorgu, Zirkzee, Garnacho and Hojlund.
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aritz (Traoré, min.80), Zubeldia (Aramburu, min.55), Aguerd, Aihen, Zubimendi, Marín (Turrientes, min.55), Brais Méndez, Take (Óskarsson, min.76) Becker (Barrene, min.55) and Oyarzabal (cap).
Goals: 0-1: Oyarzabal (pen), min.10. 1-1: Bruno (pen), min.16. 2-1 Bruno (pen), min.50. 3-1: Bruno, min.87. 4-1: Dalot, min.91.
Referee: Bastien (France). Booked De Ligt and Collyer for Manchester United and Zubeldia, Marín, Zubimendi, Oyarzabal, Aritz, Barrene and Aritz for Real Sociedad. Sent off Aramburu with a direct red card in the 64th minute.