The Theatre of Dreams Awakens Real Sociedad from the Penalty Spot

The Theatre of Dreams ended Real Sociedad's in this Europa League, in a match marked by controversial refereeing, which broke the deadlock from Anoeta with a hat-trick by Bruno Fernandes, the mainstay of this Manchester United in perpetual transition, three penalties, two for United and one for the Basque team, and the red card to Aramburu, which condemned Imanol Alguacil's team with half an hour remaining.

A notable start by Real Sociedad, hardly intimidated by the legendary Old Trafford atmosphere, inspired optimism. Their territorial dominance soon bore fruit, with a penalty committed by De Ligt on Oyarzabal, which the Basque captain converted with his usual mastery. Pressured by the goal, which left them out of the Europa League, their last lifeline this season, United stepped forward and with another penalty, for an action by Zubeldia on Hojlund, equalised from the spot through Bruno Fernandes, another captain and specialist.

Buoyed by the draw, Rúben Amorim's struggling team took control of the match. They relied on the reliable compass of Casemiro and the aggression of Hojlund, who even risked himself in a challenge with Remiro. Opposite, Kubo and his skill generated the best actions for Real Sociedad, who maintained the pulse in an interesting back-and-forth until the break.

After the restart, it was a different story, especially due to the controversial decisions of French referee Benoit Bastien. The second half saw United in full force. Remiro saved Zirkzee's shot with a stretch, but with the ball rebounding in dispute, Aritz brought down Dorgu in the Real Sociedad area, giving Bruno Fernandes the chance to seal the English comeback with the third penalty of the match.

Things got even worse in an unfortunate action, as Aramburu, the last defender, brought down Dorgu when the United's fast winger was heading towards the visitors' goal and saw red. That was the end of Real Sociedad's dream, excessively punished in inferiority by Bruno Fernandes' third goal and the late strike by Portuguese Dalot, a cruel epilogue for the Basque team's European campaign.