Oyarzabal’s penalty denies Man United crucial win against Real Sociedad

Mikel Oyarzabal kept his composure from the penalty spot to secure a 1-1 draw for Real Sociedad against Manchester United in their Europa League last-16 first-leg clash on Thursday.

Despite struggling this season, Manchester United views the Europa League as their best chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but they failed to hold onto their lead in Spain.

Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee put Ruben Amorim’s side ahead just before the hour mark, ending his five-match goal drought with a well-taken finish. However, a handball by Bruno Fernandes gifted Sociedad a penalty in the 70th minute, which Oyarzabal confidently converted.

The hosts pushed for a late winner but were denied twice as the tie remains wide open heading into next week’s second leg at Old Trafford.