Manchester United star teenage Alejandro Garnacho scored the only goal in United’s 1-0 win over Spanish La Liga side Real Sociedad to end their flawless Europa League record. They however ended in second place position in Group E.
Manchester United needed to win by two goals or more in Spain to finish top of the group, and their spirits were lifted when Garnacho showed terrific pace before firing Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass into the corner of the net.
It was a wonderful moment for the 18-year-old Madrid-born winger, who was making his second start for the Red Devils. His idol Cristiano Ronaldo set him up for the goal and he used it well and did the star’s new celebration style.
Ronaldo missed a great chance to double the lead with a lob onto the roof of the net before David de Gea produced a fine double save to keep out Andoni Gorosabel and Pablo Marin. Manchester United finish the group stage level on 15 points with Sociedad, who advance to the last 16 with a superior goal difference.
The Red Devils will now play in February’s knockout-round playoffs, where they will face one of the clubs dropping down from the Champions League. Teams they could meet over two legs include Barcelona, Juventus, Ajax, or Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.
Also, we have Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting Lisbon, Red Bull Salzburg and Sevilla are also in Monday’s draw for the knockout round.