Cristiano Ronaldo last played in the Europa League for Portuguese club Sporting in 2002-03. But returning to this tournament after 20 years was not pleasant for him. Manchester United lost 1-0 in the first match of this season against Real Sociedad on Thursday (September 8).
Manchester United faced Spanish club Real Sociedad in their first match of the Europa League 2022-23 season. In the fifth minute of the match, United’s new Brazilian footballer Casemiro had a chance to score from the cross. However, Sociedad’s fortress remained intact in that journey due to the opponent’s excellent defense.
. Ronaldo missed the chance to score in the 14th minute. The scene of Ronaldo’s missed opportunities throughout the match was quite eye-catching. He has also been seen expressing resentment towards himself several times.
Ronaldo scored a brilliant header in the 37th minute of the match, but it was ruled out for offside. After getting a few more opportunities, United’s footballers could not make use of them.
After the break, Sociedad got a penalty in the 57th minute of the match. When trying to clear the strong shot of the opponent’s forward with a slide, it takes the hand of United’s Argentinian footballer Martinez.
Sociedad’s Bryce Mendes scored the only goal of the match from Messi-Neymar’s spot-kick. After conceding the goal, the United footballers became desperate to return to the match. One after another started to attack the defense of the opponent. But United failed to score. As a result, the Red Devils had to leave the field with the taste of defeat in the first match of the Europa League.
