San SManchester United defeated Real Sociedad by a score of 1-0 on Thursday, but the Spanish club won Group E of the Europa League on the basis of goal differential, placing the English team in the playoffs for the knockout stages.
When 17 minutes, Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for United after Cristiano Ronaldo skillfully passed him through on goal. The 18-year-old then skillfully deposited the ball into the corner of the net.
When Ronaldo intercepted a defensive ball deep inside Sociedad’s half after 42 minutes, he had an opportunity to increase the advantage, but his lob sailed just over the crossbar.
One minute later, Sociedad had a great opportunity to equalize, but goalkeeper David De Gea brilliantly stopped Pablo Marin’s shot from beyond the area.
United struggled to produce clear-cut opportunities in the second half as they needed one more goal to pass Sociedad in the goal differential rankings.
With 15 points, Sociedad finished first in the group, along with United. Following their 1-0 home victory against Omonoia Nicosia, Moldova’s Sheriff Tiraspol, who finished third, will enter the Europa Conference League.
Following an exciting final round of games that left all four clubs with eight points, Feyenoord defeated Lazio 1-0 to claim the Group F title. Midtjylland of Denmark won second place after defeating Sturm Graz of Austria 2-0, and Lazio, who finished third, will compete in the Conference League.
winners of Group G Freiburg and Qarabag drew 1-1, while Nantes of France advanced to the playoff round with a 2-0 victory against Olympiakos.
champions of Group H Even though Ferencvaros lost 1-0 against Trabzonspor, they still advanced to the round of 16. After defeating Red Star Belgrade 4-1, AS Monaco will participate in the playoffs, while Trabzonspor won the Conference League position.