UEFA Technical Observer Rui Faria looks at Real Sociedad's first-leg draw against Manchester United and explains how long balls from the goalkeepers caused chaos.

UEFA Europa League scheduleSociedad sit just outside the top six in La Liga but they have suffered six defeats in their last nine league games. They had a solid League Phase, finishing 13th in the table,

Manchester United host Real Sociedad in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie as they bid to make the Europa League quarterfinals.

La Real are enduring a difficult domestic season and key figures are expected to depart next summer — but they're formidable in cup ties

Man United have in fact lost only one of their last 28 Europa League home matches (W21 D6), but that solitary defeat was inflicted by none other than Real Sociedad, who secured a slender 1-0 group-stage triumph in September 2022 courtesy of a second-half penalty from Brais Mendez.

Manchester United kicked off their Europa League round of 16 tie against Real Sociedad with a 1–1 draw away from home.

Manchester United are hoping to welcome back Manuel Ugarte for their Europa League showdown against Real Sociedad. The tie is finely poised as both sides look to make it into the quarter-finals of the competition after United drew 1-1 with Sociedad out in Spain last week.

Will Ruben Amorim's team progress or falter in what has become their most important game of the season?