Spanish side Real Sociedad hosts Manchester United in a crucial UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first-leg clash. Both teams have struggled for consistency this season and will be desperate for a positive result at the Reale Arena.
📅 Match Date: March 6, 2025
⏰ Nepali Time: 11:30 PM
🏟 Venue: Reale Arena (Estadio de Anoeta), Spain
Match Preview
Real Sociedad’s Form
Real Sociedad have had an underwhelming La Liga campaign, sitting ninth in the table. They are coming off a heavy 4-0 defeat to Barcelona, raising concerns over their defensive vulnerabilities.
🔹 Key Stat: Sociedad have never beaten an English team at home in European competition.
Manchester United’s Form
Manchester United are enduring a disappointing season, languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. They were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham last week, adding further pressure on Ruben Amorim’s side.
🔹 Key Stat: United have lost just one of their last eight European away games in Spain.
Head-to-Head and Key Stats
✅ Previous Meetings: 6 matches – Manchester United 3 wins, Real Sociedad 1 win, 2 draws.
✅ Last Meeting: Europa League 2022 group stage – Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United.
✅ Real Sociedad’s Home Struggles vs English Teams: Winless in 4 matches, failing to score in their last 3.
✅ Man United’s Away Record vs Spanish Teams: Lost only 1 of their last 8 matches in Spain.
Team News
Real Sociedad
🚑 Out: Aihen Muñoz (ACL), Carlos Fernández (muscle injury)
🟡 Doubtful: Mikel Oyarzabal (minor knock)
🔹 Key Player: Takefusa Kubo – The Japanese playmaker has been Sociedad’s brightest spark in attack.
Manchester United
🚑 Out: Lisandro Martínez (knee), Luke Shaw (muscle injury), Casemiro (suspension)
✅ Returning: Antony, Victor Lindelöf
🔹 Key Player: Bruno Fernandes – The Portuguese midfielder will be crucial in dictating play for United.
Predicted Lineups
🔵 Real Sociedad (4-3-3):
Remiro; Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Tierney; Merino, Zubimendi, Brais Méndez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Sadiq
🔴 Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Lindelöf; Amrabat, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Højlund
Match Prediction
Both teams have struggled for consistency, making this a closely contested affair. Sociedad will look to capitalize on home advantage, while United’s attacking firepower could cause problems.
🔮 Prediction: Real Sociedad 2-2 Manchester United
Where to Watch from Nepal
📺 Live on: Score808, Live7HD, Epics Sports
