Manchester Utd vs Real Sociedad prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2025-03-12 20:00.
[p]On a day that started with mass protests against the club’s failing ownership, Manchester United showed their grit in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League. Ruben Amorim’s men would have been disappointed that they couldn’t hold on given that they took the lead and arguably had the better chances, with the same true of the first leg of their UEFA Europa League (UEL) last 16 tie against Real Sociedad, which also ended 1-1.[/p]
[p]That maintained United’s unbeaten record in Europe this season (W5, D4) and put them in the driver’s seat with home advantage here in the second leg. Old Trafford may not be a fortress anymore, but the Red Devils remain tough to beat here in the UEL, losing just one of their last 28 matches in the competition on this ground (W21, D6), albeit that loss came against Sociedad in September 2022![/p]
[p]Like their hosts, Sociedad’s season could entirely depend on their UEL fortunes, as a 1-0 reverse to Sevilla on Sunday left them well off the pace to qualify for Europe in La Liga. That also extended La Real’s winless streak to four matches across all competitions (D1, L3), so pressure could begin to mount on boss Imanol Alguacil if his side are unsuccessful here.[/p]
[p]A miserable return of five defeats from their last six away matches across all competitions (W1) suggests progression will be a tall order for Sociedad, who have won just one of their four trips to England in European competition (D1, L2). Their aforementioned win did come on their last such trip under Alguacil’s leadership, and a repeat will be required if they are to advance to a first European quarter-final since 1988/89.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Alejandro Garnacho has made 23 Manchester United appearances since last scoring, but that strike came in this competition – he also assisted the Red Devils’ goal in the first leg. Mikel Oyarzabal struck the equaliser from the penalty spot, with that making him Sociedad’s all-time leading scorer in major European competition (11).[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Manchester United have kept one clean sheet in their last seven UEL home games (W5, D2), conceding four times across three meetings with Spanish opposition in the process. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Ryan Fisher[/i][/p]