Real Sociedad rang the bell at Old Trafford this Thursday, turning a difficult away fixture into a moment of triumph. Brais Méndez converted a crucial penalty in the 59th minute, seizing the chance to push his team toward the top of a Europa League group where they already earned bragging rights over a key rival. The strike underscored Real Sociedad’s readiness to seize opportunities on a night when Manchester United faced a tougher battle than expected.
British football observers noted the atmosphere surrounding the match as a reflection of wider pressures within English football, a day that carried the weight of history and change. Real Sociedad, though missing some cohesion in the first half, demonstrated resolve and individual spark that suggested the Basque side could compete with Europe’s heavyweights even when faced with a hostile environment. The visitors showed they would not be easily overwhelmed as the game unfolded, keeping their composure amid the spotlight at Old Trafford.
Returning to the starting XI at the season’s outset under a cloud of speculation about his future, Ronaldo started with a team eager to prove themselves. Young defender Jon Pacheco, stepping in for the injured Le Normand, partnered with Aritz in a compact defensive unit that helped keep Real Sociedad organized in a tense opening period. The visitors found it difficult to unlock the hosts but refused to surrender their shape or intensity, signaling their intent to stay competitive throughout the 90 minutes.
The late first-half stretch contained moments of genuine danger. A long-range attempt from Ronaldo tested the resolve of Remiro, while the Portuguese forward continued to press with determined energy, signaling the kind of performance that could tilt the balance in a high-stakes European night.
Manager Erik ten Hag of Manchester United showed visible frustration as the first half wrapped up, signaling to several players to warm up and then addressing the squad with a talk aimed at tightening the team’s cohesion. His discussions with Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez reflected a desire to reset and push for a better second half performance, even as the hosts held a positional advantage.
In the second half, United began to consolidate control, while Real Sociedad absorbed pressure and looked to hit on the break. The tactical contest sharpened as the match wore on, with Real Sociedad defending resolutely and then stepping forward with intent on the counter. It was in this shift that the crucial moment arrived, when a penalty was awarded for handball in the area, and Brais Méndez stepped up to deliver with confidence, putting the Basque side ahead and signaling a clear path to victory.
With Mikel Oyarzabal unavailable, Lisandro Urbieta presented a renewed threat for Real Sociedad, and the team adapted quickly to the change in personnel. The late stages saw United throw men forward in search of an equalizer, but Real Sociedad remained compact and disciplined, denying several clear chances and keeping Remiro largely untroubled in the closing minutes.
The match finished with Real Sociedad claiming a hard-earned win, showcasing resilience and strategic discipline that left the home crowd subdued. The fixture, witnessed by about 60,000 spectators at Old Trafford, stood as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of European football and the value of execution when opportunities arise on big nights.
Data sheet:
0-Man United: De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Malacia; Eriksen, Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Ronaldo, Elanga. Substitutes: Lisandro Martinez, Sancho, Garnacho, others used as noted.
1 – Royal Sociedad: Gorosabel, Aritz, Pacheco, Muñoz; Zubimendi, Merino, Silva, Brais; Kubo, Sadiq. Substitutes: Cho, Turrientes, Barrenetxea, Sorloth, others used as noted.
Goals: 0-1, 58th minute: Brais Méndez.
Referee: Marco Di Bello (Italy).
Events: 60,000 fans at Old Trafford. A minute of silence was held for Elizabeth II.