The Reds needed a two-goal margin of victory to top the group ahead of the hosts, and it is now confirmed that Erik ten Hag’s side will play an extra two games in the competition’s knockout round play-offs, despite our best efforts.
Garnacho, 19, had a memorable night, scoring his first senior goal for the club in the first half after some clever build-up play involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes.
With the competition now on hold until after the World Cup concludes in Qatar, we will find out who our opponents will be in Monday’s draw, with eight teams from the UEFA Champions League dropping into Europe’s secondary tournament following their own eliminations.
After only five minutes, the game erupted into life when the hosts’ playmaker Mikel Merino found space to find Carlos Fernández. The forward slipped behind the United defence before firing into the side netting, but he was later flagged offside.
Erik ten Hag’s team took the lead in the 17th minute when Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for the senior team. Bruno Fernandes’ perfectly timed header found Cristiano Ronaldo in a promising attacking area, and our no.7 played in the young Argentine to his left, allowing him to race through and smash home the game’s first goal.
Garnacho was proving to be a thorn in La Real’s side, as he twisted and turned inside the penalty area before blazing his effort over the crossbar.
Garnacho was proving to be a thorn in La Real’s side, as he twisted and turned inside the penalty area before blazing his effort over the crossbar. After 41 minutes, Lisandro Martinez sent a searching ball forward, which kindly fell to Ronaldo. Our number seven attempted to score with a lofted shot over Alex Remiro, but it landed on the roof rather than inside the net.
In the final minutes of the half, the Reds had David De Gea to thank for a fantastic double save that kept our lead intact.As our goalkeeper dived into action, Andoni Gorosabel tried his luck from the edge of the area, before 19-year-old Pablo Marin raced onto the follow-up and was brilliantly denied what appeared to be a certain equaliser by the United goalkeeper’s head.
With the second half starting at a frantic pace, defensive aggression appeared to be Ten Hag’s order, as both Martinez and Garnacho were seen putting their bodies on the line early on to protect our lead.
Substitutes were quickly introduced as United’s manager sought a crucial second goal in the game. Just before the hour mark, Victor Lindelof and Donny van de Beek were replaced by Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford.
A long throw Into the box caused a problem for the Reds after 70 minutes, as La Real forward Fernández was given time to turn before his effort sailed over the bar. With just 12 minutes remaining, the hosts’ substitute Robert Navarro came on as the former Barcelona player attempted to pull his team back into the game. Martinez and Luke Shaw both stood firm against his attacking advances.
As the game progressed and time ran out, Remiro saved Casemiro’s effort by diving at McTominay’s feet late in the game. Soon after, the flag was raised as Ten Hag’s team fought valiantly for a crucial second goal.
Although the 1-0 victory extends our unbeaten streak, it was not enough to secure top spot in Group E, with Real Sociedad’s defence holding firm to ensure Imanol Alguacil’s side was confirmed as group winners.
