Fernandes Hat-Trick Fires Manchester United Past Real Sociedad
Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Manchester United eased to a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad to reach the Europa League quarter-finals at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.
Manchester United, who drew 1-1 at Sociedad in the first leg, went a goal down after 10 minutes when Matthijs de Ligt fouled Mikel Oyarzabal and the striker converted from the spot.
However, the hosts levelled six minutes later with a penalty scored by Fernandes after Igor Zubeldia had fouled Rasmus Hojlund.
Another spot-kick gave United the lead five minutes after the interval after Aritz Elustondo was adjudged to have fouled Patrick Dorgu and Fernandes again made no mistake.
Sociedad were reduced to 10 men when Jon Aramburu fouled Joshua Zirkzee and Fernandes completed his hat-trick before Diogo Dalot wrapped up a 5-2 aggregate victory for the English side in added time.
“This club is all about winning,” Fernandes said in an interview.
“Confidence is a big thing in football and at this club even more because you know how much you are on the eyes of everyone so you need to perform at the highest level.”
Manchester United will face Olympique Lyonnais in the last eight after the French side strolled to a 4-0 win over Steaua Bucharest and Rangers overcame Fenerbahce 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 aggregate draw.
Thursday’s Europa League results
Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Roma (4-3 on aggregate)
Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 Ajax (6-2 on aggregate)
Lazio 1-1 Viktoria Plzeñ (3-2 on aggregate)
Olympiacos 2-1 Bodø/Glimt (2-4 on aggregate)
Manchester United 4-1 Real Sociedad (5-2 on aggregate)
Lyon 4-0 FCSB (7-1 on aggregate)
Rangers 0-2 Fenerbahçe (3-2 on penalties after 3-3 aggregate score)
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (3-2 on aggregate).
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