Manchester United advanced to the last eight of the 2024-25 Europa League after beating ten-man Real Sociedad 4-1 at home in the second leg of the quarterfinals. The game was full of drama, including three penalties and a hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes.
It was not long before the game began that United were in trouble. The referee, with VAR involved, awarded a penalty in the seventh minute when Derichert made a tackle on Oyasaval in the box, and Oyasaval converted to give Real Sociedad the lead. That left United 1-2 behind their rivals on aggregate.
United, however, did not give up. In the 13th minute, Casemiro found (Bruno Fernandes) with a long ball over the top. Bruno Fernandes chipped in and Hoilen’s shot was covered by Suberdiya. The referee also awarded a penalty. Bruno Fernandes hit the penalty to level the overall score at 2-2.
In the second half, United were more aggressive. In the 48th minute, Dogu went down in the penalty area to create a point, Bruno Fernandes again hit the penalty to complete the double, United on the aggregate score of 3-2 to Real Sociedad. It was also Fee’s 10th penalty in the Europa League, setting a new record for the number of times a single player has scored a penalty since the league was reformed.
In the final stages of the game, United’s attack was still sharp. In the 86th minute, Ganacho directly sent the assist, Bruno Fernandes easily pushed the goal, scored a hat trick. Hoilen set up Dalot for another goal in the 91st minute to make it 4-1 as United eliminated Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate and qualified for the last eight.
This is the fifth time that United have reached the last eight of the Europa League since its restructuring. After qualifying for the last eight, United will face Ligue 1 powerhouse Lyon. United’s performance in the Europa League has been excellent, unbeaten in the first 10 games, showing great strength and fighting spirit.
In general, this game with Bruno Fernandes’ outstanding play and team tacit cooperation, successfully reversed the Real Sociedad, advanced to the Europa League eight. Next, they will face a new challenge, expect United to continue to show strong strength and fighting spirit in the follow-up games.
