Manchester United triumphed over Real Sociedad with a commanding 4-1 victory on March 13, 2025, advancing to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. The clash, held at Old Trafford, was the second leg of their 1/8 finals match, following a 1-1 draw during the first leg.
Bruno Fernandes emerged as the star of the match, scoring a stunning hat-trick, solidifying his status as one of the top players of the tournament. Two of his goals came from the penalty spot, bringing his total to nine penalties converted in the Europa League, making him the competition's all-time record holder.
The match got off to an intriguing start, with Real Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal opening the scoring for the visitors with another penalty just 10 minutes in. This early goal put Manchester United on the back foot, creating tension among the home fans. The situation quickly changed when Fernandes equalized for United with his first penalty, showing his composure under pressure.
After equalizing, Manchester United began to assert their dominance on the field. Fernandes showcased his incredible skill and precision again, not only with his penalties but also by scoring from open play. Diogo Dalot also got on the scoresheet, contributing to the team's emphatic victory.
It was not all smooth sailing for Real Sociedad, as they were reduced to ten men starting from the 63rd minute, which significantly hampered their ability to challenge United’s attack. The red card, issued following a second yellow for one of the Sociedad players, effectively sealed their fate.
Despite the setback, Oyarzabal's earlier contribution ensured they were able to leave the pitch with at least one goal to their name, making the final score 4-1. United’s victory marks another step toward potentially lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy.
After the match, Fernandes shared his thoughts on the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of teamwork. He noted, “It’s always important to convert chances when they arise, especially penalties. But football is about the team, and today we played incredibly well together.” His leadership and skill were evident as Manchester United moves on to face Lyon FC, who triumphed over Steaua București with an aggregate score of 7-1 over two matches.
The upcoming quarter-finals promise to be exciting as Manchester United meets Lyon, and fans are eager to see if Fernandes can continue his stellar form. The question remains—can they maintain this momentum and secure another victory?