Imanol Alguacil criticizes referee in Man Utd defeat
Real Sociedad Knocked Out of Europa League
Real Sociedad’s journey in the 2024-25 Europa League has come to an end after a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Manchester United in the round of 16. Despite taking an early lead in the second leg at Old Trafford, they ultimately lost 4-1 on the night.
Controversial Second Leg Match
The second leg match was filled with controversy, with three penalties awarded (two for Man United, one for Real Sociedad) and another penalty being canceled after a VAR check. Additionally, Real Sociedad had Jon Aramburu sent off for a last-man challenge shortly after being substituted on.
Anger Towards Referee
Real Sociedad’s head coach Imanol Alguacil expressed frustration towards referee Benoit Bastien, stating that his team was not able to compete against Manchester United due to the officiating. Alguacil emphasized that the referee’s decisions significantly impacted the outcome of the match.
Alguacil lamented the lack of neutrality in the refereeing performance and expressed sympathy for the fans, highlighting the impact of the decisions made by the officials on the game. Despite the outcome, he praised his players for their efforts and resilience.
Looking Ahead
Real Sociedad now need to regroup and focus on their upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. While their Europa League journey has ended, they still have the opportunity to secure a spot in Europe next season through their performance in La Liga and their continued participation in the Copa del Rey.
