Real Sociedad vs Man Utd Europa League final score and result as United win but fail to top group - live
Real Sociedad 0-1 Man Utd: Alejandro Garnacho’s goal wins it for the Red Devils but they now face a play-off after the World Cup
Manchester United face a tough Europa League knockout round play-off tie after failing to build on teenager Alejandro Garnacho’s outstanding opener and beat Real Sociedad by a two-goal margin.
Both sides were already assured of progress from Group E ahead of the San Sebastian showdown, but September’s shock Old Trafford defeat to the LaLiga side meant United travelled to Spain in second spot.
Garnacho’s superb goal got the Red Devils off to a dream start as they sought to usurp the hosts, but they struggled in the second half as Sociedad held tight for a 1-0 loss that means they top the group on goal difference.
Erik ten Hag’s runners-up will now have to play an extra round in mid-February against a side dropping out of the Champions League, with Barcelona, Juventus and his former club Ajax among the potential opponents.
Relive the action as Man Utd beat Real Sociedad in the Europa League:
72' - Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
More changes in reaction. Tomiyasu and Odegaard come on for Vieira and White.
We’re about 20 minutes from the end, including injury time. Not a lot of wiggle room now if Arsenal do concede - and Ramsdale is called into action again to claim a low cross.
68’ - Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
Goal...ruled out!
That’s exactly what the problem could be. One attack, one good move and Zurich have the ball in the net but Guerrero is offside when he buries the rebound after Ramsdale saved an initial shot.
64’ - Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
Vieira with another strike from a difficult angle this time and it’s nowhere near the target.
Thomas Partey is trying to raise the tempo in the middle of the park after coming on - Arsenal can’t let this drift and then need to suddenly react late on.
61’ - Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
Arteta goes to his bench as Arsenal look to try and seal matters here.
Bukayo Saka is coming on, back from injury, replacing Jesus. Elneny is replaced by Thomas Partey.
Conde is booked, meanwhile, for a late tackle.
57’ - Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
Jesus leads a charge and feeds Nketiah down the left, but he’s held up and then his cross is defended well and cleared.
Still all a little fragmented in the final third.
Zurich have offered very little in this half.
53’ - Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
PSV are two goals to the good now, so Arsenal will definitely have to take the three points.
Lots of decent build-up play, but a bit of a lack of killer instinct in the final third so far.
Vieira in particular has seen chances go begging.
48’ - Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
Let’s see how Arteta wants his side to approach this second 45’ then: manage it, or go full-pelt to score a second and wrap matters up? They don’t need to do anything extra at this point, but of course it’s a risk leaving the door open to a late equaliser.
Katic is booked for hauling down Jesus on the turn, then Vieira escapes a card for doing the same a minute later.
Second half - Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
We are back underway at the Emirates Stadium.
HT: Arsenal 1-0 Zurich
Kieran Tierney nets his first of the season - his first goal since Boxing Day last year, in fact! That came in a thrashing of Norwich in the Premier League.
He has his work cut out to earn game time this season but today’s performance has been very good so far.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments