Real Sociedad staged a comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty to cancel out Joshua Zirkzee’s opener, leaving the contest finely balanced ahead of next week’s return leg at Old Trafford.
United, struggling through a disappointing season, took the lead at the Reale Arena just before the hour mark when Zirkzee bundled home from an Alejandro Garnacho pass.
However, their advantage was short-lived as Bruno Fernandes conceded a penalty for handball, allowing Oyarzabal to send goalkeeper Andre Onana the wrong way in the 70th minute.
Real Sociedad nearly snatched a late winner, but substitute Orri Oskarsson missed two golden opportunities, while Onana made crucial saves to keep United in the game.
United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged his side’s control before the penalty but remained hopeful for the second leg.
“We take the game to Old Trafford; we’ll try to win there,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sociedad’s Oyarzabal declared, “The tie is open; we’re going there alive.”
With a Europa League final set to be played at the home of Sociedad’s rivals, Athletic Bilbao, the Spanish side will be eager to progress.
The winner of the tie will face either Lyon or FCSB in the quarterfinals.
