Red Devils win but remain second

Ten Hag's men found themselves ahead before the 20 minute mark thanks to a superb Garnacho strike, fed trhough by none other than Ronaldo. The home side failed to make the most of their first half chances, as they saw their best effort saved brilliantly by a sprawling De Gea. 

The first half started fairly slowly, with both teams gradually easing themselves into what was a clearly a tense affair. With so much at stake, it was the Red Devils who smelt first blood. After a superb through ball from Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, Garnacho found himself on the end of it on the left hand side of the box and immediately opened fire. His rocket blasted into the roof of the home side's net, leaving Remiro little hope of stopping it.

The side from the Basque Country then turned the pressure on, gradually building possession and challenging the visitors' box. Their most clear opportunity came when De Gea saved well from a shot outside of the box, and then the scraps could not be finished up by Real, as the Spanish keeper's face came to the rescue this time, blocking it over the crossbar. That was the last of the action in the first half, with Sociedad rueing their missed opportunity.

The second half started as the first ended, with Real Sociedad firmly on the front foot, but still with nothing to show for their efforts. It seemed to be that whatever they could muster, De Gea had an answer for. His performance clearly spurred on Ten Hag's men, as they finished the match with much more urgency, pressing relentlessly. A late flurry of corners was not enough to get them that crucial second goal, however, and the home side ended the night happier, despite losing.

This win means United qualify in second place, and await to know their fate in this Monday's draw, and Real Sociedad enjoy top spot of the group, after the head-to-head record worked in their favour.

 

November 3, 2022