Real Sociedad is from the 2024-25 Europa League, after having lost 5-2 to Manchester United in their round of 16 draw. The Basque side had continued at a certain stage after an early lead in the second stage at Old Trafford, but they would lose 4-1 in the night.
It was a very controversial second stage to say the least. Three penalties were awarded (two for Man United, one for La Real), with another canceled after a Varcheque, while the visitors had also sent Jon Aramburu for a last man -minutes after he was raised.
Understandably, there was a lot of anger from La Real against referee Benoit Bastien, and this was made clear by head coach Imanol Alguacil. According to Diario As, he made it clear that his side was not allowed to compete against Man United because of the French officer.
“It's cruel, you don't even know how to explain it without making an excuses. United was better, but I would have liked to compete one on one. The referee did not want to whistle the only fine that was and he whistled those who were not. We have not earned such a referee, neither we nor Manchester United. “
“There was no neutral referee performance. I feel sorry for the fans, there was no match – not just because of those decisions, it has been continuous from the 14th minute, it's a shame. There is nothing the blame of the players, the referee did not let us compete. We started the game well, I don't know what would have happened. '
It is a bitter pill for La Real to swallow, but they have to pick themselves up for being picked up for their next game, which is against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. They can still be eligible for Europe next season via La Liga, and they are still in the Copa del Rey.
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