Real Sociedad defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in the Europa League, snapping the Red Devil’s four-game winning streak.
Defeat for the Reds.#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/fLBvEHpoEK
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 8, 2022
Both teams’ players donned black armbands in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away earlier in the evening. A minute of silence was also held by everyone present inside the stadium prior to kickoff.
UEFA ruled that it was too late to postpone the game, but Old Trafford was predictably under capacity, and the atmosphere reflected the mood of the country. Announcements were toned down, and the branding on the advertising boards were subdued.
The lone goal of the contest was scored under controversial circumstances on the 59th minute. Despite David Silva’s close-range drive rebounding off the Argentine’s thigh before hitting his arm, Lisandro Martinez was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
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Marco Di Bello, an Italian referee, gave a penalty kick right away, and after VAR reviewed the judgment, it was upheld.
David de Gea was unable to stop Brais Mendez’s powerful and perfect penalty kick as Sociedad took the lead.
With Sheriff Tiraspol’s 3-0 victory over Omonia Nicosia in the evening’s other game, Manchester United are currently in third place in Group E after matchday one.
Sociedad’s victory over English opposition in a European match is a first, whilst United had not suffered a home Europa League loss in 18 games prior to Thursday’s loss.
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