Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil says he is not accepting any excuse for his side not winning Manchester United in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 at Old Trafford on Thursday, Afrosport reports.
Both sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg in San Sebastian last week, leaving the return leg open.
Alguacil, speaking ahead of the game, said his side’s failure to win will be as a result of United being the better team.
“Without looking for excuses. It’s not going to be [tiredness] that is the reason we’re going to lose. If we lose, it’s because Manchester United have played a better game than us. But for that you have to play it [first],” the Spaniard said.
Alguacil added: “We’re going to see a super competitive team. I wasn’t surprised by what they did last Thursday [in the first leg]. Their way of competing is how they are also competing in the Premier League. I told you it was a great team [before the first leg].
“They worked really well. It’s no coincidence that in both the FA Cup [and the Premier League] that Arsenal were unable to win here. So does that mean that the team works well. I think even if in the Premier League they aren’t doing well with results, the way they play has deserved more. So, I am very clear that what they want tomorrow is to advance to the quarter-finals. So surely yes, they will be giving it the importance this match has.”
🏴 One journey, one stadium, and a single goal.#UEL pic.twitter.com/pq9YbuZ4nu
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) March 13, 2025
Should Real Sociedad progress, it will mark the first time in their history that they have reached the Europa League quarter-finals.
