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Bruno Fernandes’ handball proved crucial as Manchester United were pegged back to draw the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie in Spain.
Amorim’s side were much improved for large spells and went close to opening the scoring when Fernandes’ shot was superbly blocked on the line.
Alejandro Garnacho put wide when well placed and United did take a deserved lead when Joshua Zirkzee’s long-range shot seemed to wrongfoot La Real keeper Alex Remiro.
Man United are still the only unbeaten team in the Europa League or Champions League 👀💪 pic.twitter.com/YnrqGxneCC
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025
But United could not hold on for the win as Fernandes was judged to have blocked a header from a corner with his hand.
Referee Ivan Kruzliak gave the decision after a video review and captain Mikel Oyarzabal stroked home the spot kick.
The sides meet again at Old Trafford next week.
United were on top in the first half and went ahead when Zirkzee hit a first-time shot from the edge of the box through Benat Turrientes’ legs and past goalkeeper Remiro.
We’re held to a draw in San Sebastian but it’s all to play for in the second leg 👊#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2025
The travelling support enjoyed a goal they looked to build on as Garnacho shot just wide of the near post.
But life is rarely straightforward for United, who saw Brais Mendez flash a 25-yarder close before referee Kruzliak received instructions through his earpiece.
The VAR instructed the referee to go to the monitor and review a Fernandes handball as he attempted to clear a corner.
Kruzliak pointed to the spot and the Reale Arena roared when Oyarzabal – Spain’s match-winner against England in the Euro 2024 final – pounded his penalty past Andre Onana.
Matthijs de Ligt did brilliantly to deal with a cross after an initial slip and Onana stopped a shot in stoppage time as it ended all square in Spain.