2024/25 Europa League : Changes and teams to watch
The Europa League resumes again after a break but there are changes to the current structure already in place. With an increased number of matches and more teams added to the competition, we discuss the teams to look out for and more in this article.
The UEFA Europa League is back in action tonight. This is going to be the 54th season of the club competition. With fewer chances for teams to drop into the Conference League, the stakes are higher than ever for teams to perform well in this new format.
Expanded Format
In the same vein as the Champions League, the Europa League will feature a 36-team system that will be a single-format group stage each team is expected to play 8 matches against 8 different teams in the group stage, 4 at home and 4 away from home.
The top 8 teams will automatically qualify for the round of 16 while the teams that place from 9th to 24th will compete in a playoff round to determine the remaining 8 teams that will feature in the round of 16.
The 2024/25 Europa League format brings many positives for European football, including increased competition, inclusivity, sports tourism through traveling fans, and higher earnings for participating clubs. While these developments seem promising for the sport's growth in Europe, there are also downsides. Clubs face congested schedules with numerous matches, leading to player fatigue and increased injury risks. Additionally, the short turnaround time between games hinders proper preparation, potentially affecting the overall quality of football on display. These challenges could limit the opportunity for fans to witness thrilling performances in this prestigious club competition.
Teams to Watch Out For
Several prestigious clubs will feature in this season's Europa League we will cast the spotlight on some teams that can go ahead to win the title.
Though failing to qualify for the Champions League England's biggest club would not be out of Europe's club competition this season. having won the Europa League in 2017 under Jose Mourinho they also emerged as runner-up in 2021 losing on penalty shootouts to Sevilla the club is no stranger to this competition and they definitely will be looking to add European Silverware under their manager Erik Ten Haag.
Porto is a formidable force in European club football, typically competing as regulars in the Champions League. However, this season sees them in the Europa League. Despite their last trophy in the competition dating back to 2011, they remain a team to be reckoned with. Their experience and tactical strength make them one of the toughest opponents on the continent, capable of mounting a serious challenge in any European club competition.
Tottenham Hotspur
The English Club last came close to winning silverware on the continent in 2019 losing the Champions League final to a fellow English side Liverpool. Noticeable improvements in terms of recruitment and playing style under Ange Postecoglou have seen the club come back stronger it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to bring the first major title to the North London club since their League Cup triumph in 2008
Ajax
One of the top teams in Europe's footballing history. Ajax will forever remain famous for their 1995 Champions League win against Milan. they narrowly missed out on the Champions League final in 2019 losing out to Tottenham. With the team slowly finding form they will be strong contenders for the title.
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, let's look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
Premier League, also known as the English Premier League, is a top-tier football league in England. This league consists of 20 teams in a league system with a relegation and promotion system to/from the English Championship.
Each team plays 38 matches against every other team, 19 at home and away. The seasons generally start in August and run till May. The Premier League is the most-watched sports league globally and is broadcast in over 200 territories with an average number of viewers of 4.7 billion.
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, we will look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
The Football League First Division was the top-tier football league in England from 1888. But in the post-1970s and early 1980s, the league started to reach a low point with incidents like the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster, which banned them from UEFA Competitions for five years.
But after England reached the 1990 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the downward trend started to reverse. The stadium started to get filled, and the Taylor Report on stadium safety standards also helped clubs to create better standard stadiums.
After a dispute over TV rights and maximising the club revenue, the big five clubs, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Arsenal, opted to come out of the Football League First Division and create another league.
At the close of the 1990-91 season, the FA Premier League was formed, and from 1992-93 the Premier League era started with 22 teams. Manchester United were the first Premier League champions and went on to win seven of the first nine trophies.
Who has won the most Premier League titles?
Till now, 51 teams have played in the Premier League since the tournament was rebranded in 1992. 7 teams have successfully won the Premier League title.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham are considered the 'Big Six' in the Premier League. Unfortunately, Tottenham haven't lifted any major title in their history, but still, they go toe to toe with every club and take part in the title race.
Manchester United, with 13 Premier League titles since 1992, are the most successful club in the Premier League era.
Most Premier League titles won by the clubs
Manchester United- 13
Manchester City- 8
Chelsea - 5
Arsenal- 3
Liverpool- 2
Blackburn Rovers - 1
Leicester City -1
Most Premier League Titles
7. Leicester City - 1 title
Leicester City won the Premier League title in the 2015-16 season | Image: Sky Sports
In the 2015-16 Premier League season, Leicester City won the title in the Premier League. They were considered to be an underdog before but they overcame the rough phase and won the Premier League title in the club's 132-year history.
Striker Jamie Vardy broke the record for consecutive games with a goal in the Premier League (11). Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez became both the first African and Algerian player to be the recipient of the PFA Players' Player of the Year.
Blackburn won the title in the 1994-95 season | Image: Reuters
Blackburn Rovers was one of the 22 founding members of the Premier League era. They won the Premier League a long time ago in the 1994-95 season. Alan Shearer, with 34 goals for them, was the top scorer of the season. However, they were relegated in the 1998–99 season, becoming one of the 42 teams that were relegated as the Premier League champions.
Right after two seasons, they were promoted again in the 2000-01 season, but they were relegated yet once again, and that too in the same season. Unfortunately, they have not returned to the Premier League since then.
5. Liverpool FC - 2 titles
Liverpool FC after winning the Premier League 2024-25 title. Image | Liverpool FC
The Anfield Giants are one of the most popular English Clubs. Midfield maestros Steven Gerrard and William Shankly were a few of the legends that the club produced.
However, Liverpool had to wait for 30 years for their first-ever Premier League title. The club won the Premier League once in 2019-20 under German tactician Jurgen Klopp. That was Liverpool's nineteenth overall title in England's top-tier football.
Mohamed Salah, with 19 goals, was one of the star performers for the Reds in that season.
As their most recent league success, Liverpool won the Premier League 2024-25 title with 4 games to go in the season. Arne Slot's first season as the Liverpool manager gave them their 20th Title in the top flight and 2nd in the Premier League era.
Mohamed Salah again played a pivotal role in their success with 28 goals and counting.
4. Arsenal FC - 3 titles
Arsenal won the 2003-04 title as Invincibles | Image: Getty
The London Giants Arsenal are one of the most famous football clubs on planet earth. They have won the title 3 times in the years 1997-98, 2001-02, and 2003-04.
They were the first club to create Premier League history by maintaining a 38-game unbeaten streak to win the title in 2003-04.
In domestic football, Arsenal has won 13 league titles, a record 14 FA Cups, two League Cups, and 17 FA Community Shields, but they haven't won a single European title yet.
Chelsea won their first Premier League title under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 season | Image: Chelsea
Another London club, Chelsea, is on this list, and there is no doubt why they are the best London Club in the Premier League. They won the title 5 times in the years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2014-15, and 2016-17.
The Blues won their first Premier League title under the 'Special One'Jose Mourinho, who completely changed the face of this London Club alongside Roman Abramovich, who was the Chelsea owner at that time.
They have also won the Champions League 2 times, alongside 2 Europa League titles.
2. Manchester City - 8 titles
City players celebrating their sixth title in seven seaons.
Manchester City, the Blue side of Manchester, are the reigning champions of England and Europe. This team have won the title 7 times in the years 2011-12, 2013-14, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24.
In the 2023-24 season, Manchester City became the first club to win the Premier League for a record fourth consecutive season. No side in English football history had ever won the top-flight more than three years back-to-back.
They are the second Club after Manchester United to complete the three-pit in the Premier League and win the European treble.
The club has won nine league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, six FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one European Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Manchester United are the most successful club in the Premier League era | Image: X
The team with the most Premier League Titles is Manchester United, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester. They are the most successful team in the English Premier League and also the most famous English Club on the Entire Planet. United were also the first-ever team to win the Premier League.
They were the first English club to ever win the European treble, and that remained a record until Manchester City finally matched it in the 2022-23 season. Manchester United won the titles in 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, and 2012-13.
They have also won the most number of trophies in England, and that happened because of the Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. Sir Alex is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time and has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of football
Manchester United edged out Lyon 5-4 in a thrilling Europa League 2024-25 Quarter-final second leg, advancing to the semifinals. Check out the ties with the most goals in a Europa League knockout round.
The Red Devils also became the first-ever European team to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match, which completed a supernatural comeback for them at the Theatre of Dreams.
A total of 13 goals from both sides defined their destiny, as Manchester United have sealed their passage to the semis, whereas Lyon's continental journey has come to an end.
In this article, we explore the list of Europa League knockout ties for the most goals scored.
Rangers earned a gloriously chaotic 9-5 aggregate win over Royal Antwerp in the Round of 32, which is still the highest-scoring two-legged tie in the UEFA Cup/Europa League knockout round.
14 - Rangers 9-5 Royal Antwerp is the highest-scoring two-legged tie in the UEFA Cup/Europa League since Helsingborgs 8-6 Heerenveen in the 2007-08 first round. Entertainment. pic.twitter.com/frch3j5pq4
Rangers defeated Antwerp 4-3 in the first leg encounter at the Bosulistadion in Belgium, securing a slender lead in the tie. The second leg turned out to be an absolute rampage as the Scottish side netted four second-half goals at the Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, winning 5-2 and securing their qualification to the next round of the competition.
13 Goals | Porto 10-3 Spartak Moskva (2010/11)
(Image Credit | UEFA)
FC Porto displayed absolute domination over Spartak Moskva in the 2010-11 Europa League quarter-finals, beating them 10-3 on aggregate.
Porto, who also became the eventual champions of the edition, crushed Spartak in the very first leg at home, beating them 5-1 at Estádio do Dragão in Portugal. The second leg also saw the André Villas-Boas-coached Porto side dominating the Russian team, beating them 5-2 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
13 Goals | Lyon 11-2 AZ Alkmaar (2016/17)
(Image Credit | UEFA)
Olympique Lyonnais ran riot over AZ Alkmaar in the 2016-17 Europa League Round of 32, beating the Dutch side 11-2 over two legs.
Lyon defeated AZ 4-1 in the first leg, played away at the AFAS Stadion in the Netherlands. In the return leg at OL Stadium, the French outfit went ruthless against AZ, earning a massive 7-1 victory at home.
13 Goals | Manchester United 8-5 Roma (2020/21)
(Image Source | X)
Last night was not the first time that Manchester United took part in a goals galore, as they thrashed AS Roma8-5 on aggregate in the 2020-21 UEL semi-finals.
Man United practically secured their passage to the final with a magnificent 6-2 win in the first leg, scoring five goals in the second half at Old Trafford. The next game at the Olimpico Stadium in Rome ended in a 3-2 win for Roma. However, United entered the final.
This was also the last time the Red Devils qualified for a European competition final, though they lost to Villareal in a gut-wrenching penalty shoot-out.
13 Goals | Liverpool 11-2 Sparta Praha (2023/24)
(Image Source | X)
Liverpool had a resounding victory over Sparta Praha, beating them 11-2 over two legs in last season's UEL Round of 16.
9 - Liverpool progressed past Sparta Prague 11-2 on aggregate; their biggest margin of victory over a two-legged tie in European football since the 1980-81 campaign against Finnish side OPS (also 11-2 on aggregate, in the European Cup first round). Cruise. pic.twitter.com/ZeTSkpEZoc
In the first leg at Stadion Letná in Prague, the Reds earned a brilliant 5-1 victory, securing a massive four-goal cushion in the tie. In the second leg at Anfield, Liverpool dismantled the Czech side, thrashing them 6-1 at home to qualify for the quarter-finals.
However, the English side's campaign ended after losing to eventual champions Atalanta in the quarters.
13 Goals |Manchester United 7-6 Lyon (2024/25)
(Image Source | Givemesport)
Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais have gifted us one of the most memorable Europa League knockout ties this season, as the Red Devils were through to the semi-finals after a knife-edge 7-6 victory over two legs in the quarter-finals.
A comeback for the ages at Old Trafford.
Manchester United, who trailed 10-man Lyon 4-2 with six minutes remaining, win 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate thanks to Harry Maguire's late winner.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 17, 2025
Rayan Cherki's last-minute strike salvaged a 2-2 draw at home for Lyon against United in the first leg played at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in France. The return leg was absolute cinema, as Manchester United's 2-0 lead at the break was overcome by Lyon as they scored four until the break of the added extra time.
However, Kobie Mainoo and Harry Maguire netted two goals after the 120th minute to fire Manchester United into the Europa League semi-finals, winning the game by 5-4.
What would you rather choose? Crashing out in the UCL semis or winning the Europa League
In this special article, Sport Point examines the advantages and disadvantages of either crashing out in the Champions League semifinals or winning the Europa League.
UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League are the two pinnacles of European club tournaments, awarding the coveted continental silverware to the top clubs in Europe.
Borth tournaments are prestigious for clubs competing in these, and hold different merits and various aspects of prizes that come with these silverware.
However, if you are a fan of a top club that crashed out of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, you would definitely be disheartened. But, on the other end, if your club clinches the Europa League, would you celebrate it in the same manner when your club reached the UCL semis?
This may be a tough choice for fans who naturally covet the utmost success for their beloved clubs. But this question may always arise in every football fan's mind, which one is better to choose? Crashing out in the UCL semis or winning the Europa League?
Sportz Point delves into this interesting discussion through this article.
Crashing out of UEFA Champions League Semis: Pros and Cons
(Image Credit | Al Jazeera)
Advantages
Playing in the UEFA Champions League is already competing at the highest level, and reaching the semifinals is a very significant achievement.
If a mid-table club in the top five European leagues manages, or a club that belongs to a league other than the lower coefficients in the UEFA European leagues ranking, reaching this level can also provide valuable experience for the team and contribute to their reputation.
Reaching the semifinals demonstrates a lot about the team. It means they were able to overcome the best clubs in Europe and reach the knockout stage.
If looked at from a monetary point of view, the UCL semifinalists receive a prize money of €15 million that helps the teams to look forward to their future. The Champions League also draws more marketing or TV ratings.
UEFA prize money distribution (as of 31 Jan):
7⃣3⃣% to UCL clubs (€2.14 billion) 1⃣8⃣% to UEL clubs (€528 million) 9⃣% to UECL clubs (€265 million) pic.twitter.com/anllbpFPQK
Losing at this stage can be disappointing, especially if the team had induced high hopes of winning the tournament. For example, Ajax in the 2018-19 UCL claimed attention in the best possible way, beating defending champions Real Madrid on the way, but crashed out of the semi-finals.
If a team loses in the semifinals without winning anything in the domestic league, it will be considered a disastrous trophyless season. Very few people would be impressed by a club simply for reaching the semifinals.
On the contrary, a semi-final defeat can disrupt a team's momentum, potentially affecting their performance in domestic competitions.
This also may lead to a massive exodus of players from the club, especially if the club is not an European powerhouse already. The top European players will go after the players who performed well for the team, leading to the dismantling of the core group, making it harder to repeat the feat in the future continental competitions.
Winning the UEFA Europa League: Pros and Cons
(Image Credit | Getty Images)
Advantages
For most of the clubs, winning a silverware is a huge achievement. Winning the Europa League has its own advantages, considering that most of the mid-table or apparently mediocre clubs compete in this tournament.
Winning the Europa League guarantees a continental silverware, which is always better than a trophy-less season. It also ensures a direct qualification in the next season's Champions League.
The winners of the Europa League also meet the Champions League winners in a season-end competition, called the UEFA Super Cup, which presents another opportunity to clinch another silverware.
Winning a major European trophy significantly enhances a club's global status and reputation. This success can attract sponsors, and elite players as well.
Disadvantages
The biggest drawback of taking part in the Europa League, particularly of winning it, is the scheduling of midweek games. This may lead to a congested fixture, resulting in fatigue among the players as well as higher injury risks. Consequently, this affects the players' performance within domestic leagues or other tournaments. The Thursday-Sunday format of the Europa League puts more pressure on players than the Tuesday-Wednesday format of the Champions League.
Although it is a big silverware, the Europa League is usually less prestigious than the Champions League, and therefore makes it less attractive than the clubs competing in the UCL.
Comparing to the Champions League, the Europa League offers lower prize money. This will be a downer for the clubs that are reliant on their European competition-generated revenue, more so those operating outside the major five European clubs.
The difference in prize money between 108 clubs playing UCL, UEL and UECL visualized. pic.twitter.com/T5IZwmOhsC
To be honest, it is subjective and depends on different contexts.
For a world-class team that can contest the Champions League, playing in the Europa League could be a disappointment or a consolation for the team, the management and mostly, for the supporters.
However, if a team has no practical hope of winning the Champions League but can contest the title for the Europa League, it would be preferable to lift the trophy instead of qualifying to the semi-finals.
In conclusion, the Champions League semi-final defeat is an indicator of greater competition and ability, while the Europa League win is a concrete victory. So, we can say that there is no definite 'better' result between these two.
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United Highlights UEFA Europa League 2024-25 | Manchester United Held by Real Sociedad After Confident Oyarzabal Penalty Round of 16 First Leg | FT RSO 1-1 MUN
Catch the highlights of the Real Sociedad vs Manchester United RO16 First Leg match tonight in UEL 2024-25 at the Anoeta Stadium, Spain.
Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of European football. Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the UEFA Europa League 2024-25Round of 16 First Leg face-off between Real Sociedad and Manchester United at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián, Spain.
Real Sociedad advanced to the RO16 by thrashing FC Midtjylland 7-3 over two legs in the Europa League play-offs. Manchester United, on the contrary, are the only team that finished unbeaten in the league phase, positioned third on the leaderboard with 18 points in 8 matches.
Both teams are about to go against each other in an important match of the European campaign, setting up a fierce encounter. So, sit back and relax as Swastik Debnath and Soumit Bhattacharya get you the buildup, news, images, live scores, news, and updates of the Real Sociedad vs Manchester United match from our webdesk.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scorelines.
Don't forget to refresh the page for latest updates. Enjoy the coverage!
LIVE Updates
Mar 6, 2025, 7:52 PM
Thank You and Stay Tuned!
This is it for this game.
Hope you enjoyed the Live match.
We will be back very soon with another Live.
Good Night, Stay Tuned!
Mar 6, 2025, 7:51 PM
Final Verdict
In a tightly contested match, Real Sociedad and Manchester United shared the spoils, with Joshua Zirkzee showcasing his skill with a brilliant goal in the 57th minute. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a controversial penalty in the 70th minute, leveling the scoreline. The penalty decision will undoubtedly spark debate, but both sides ultimately deserved a point from this hard-fought encounter.
Mar 6, 2025, 7:44 PM
FULL TIME WHISTLE BLOWS! RSO 1-1 MUN
We're held to a draw in San Sebastian but it's all to play for in the second leg 👊#MUFC || #UEL
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) March 6, 2025
Mar 6, 2025, 7:15 PM
68' | Potential VAR Check
A penalty shout in the United's box and the referee awarded the penalty as he confirmed Bruno Fernandes' hand ball.
Mar 6, 2025, 7:13 PM
64' | Change for Sociedad
IN: Pablo Marin
OUT:Beñat Turrientes
Mar 6, 2025, 7:12 PM
63' | Substitutions for Sociedad!
IN: Orri Óskarsson, Jon Aramburu
OUT: Ander Barrenetxea, Aritz Elustondo
Mar 6, 2025, 7:06 PM
57' | GOALLL!!! RSO 0-1 MUN
The Red Devils take the lead. What an exceptional strike by Zirkzee. Garnacho makes a crucial pass into the box for Zirkzee, and his left-footed shot is strong enough to net the ball.
Zubeldia commits a foul on Hojlund, and the referee shows a yellow card to him
Mar 6, 2025, 6:54 PM
47' | Great defending by De Ligt!
Kubo crosses a beautiful ball from the right side of the pitch into the final third, but De Ligt blocks the cross.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:50 PM
46' | Second half Begins!
Real Sociedad 0-0 Manchester United
Mar 6, 2025, 6:40 PM
Hart-time verdict | HT RSO 0-0 MUN
Both teams were organised in an intense half of few chances, with a Garnacho effort from long range and a Zirkzee back-heel among United's attempts. The visitors twice looked dangerous from counterattacks – a threat Real Sociedad will be wary of.
via Juan Díaz, UEL Reporter
Mar 6, 2025, 6:34 PM
45'+3' | The half-time whistle is blown! | HT RSO 0-0 MUN
Mar 6, 2025, 6:34 PM
45'+2' | Onana punches it away
Onana rose above the crowd and punched the ball away, clearing a looming threat from Sociedad.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:31 PM
45' | 3 minutes of added time confirmed
Mar 6, 2025, 6:31 PM
45' | Chance for Sociedad
Sucic was about to strike the ball from close to the goal, but the ball soared outside wide off the far post.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:29 PM
42' | Remiro collects it easily
Following a long ball by Bruno Fernandes from down the middle, Dalot powered a header on target, but Remiro made a routine collection.
Two on-target chances already for the Red Devils, but no goals whatsoever.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:25 PM
37' | That was close for United!
Garnacho and Dalot combined up on the right, resulting in Dalot finding Bruno in the middle of the box, but the United skipper's left-footed effort while going down was denied by Elustondo on the line!
Zirkzee found the second ball but fired it wide off the target!
Mar 6, 2025, 6:21 PM
34' | Chance for Sociedad
Kubo tried to find a channel in search of delivering a cross from the right, but United's defence forced the attack to end up in a corner.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:18 PM
30' | Two quarters are up!
In the last five minutes, the only noteworthy thing that happened is Dorgu getting a little bit uncomfortable, creating tension on the United bench. However, he is well and back on the pitch after receiving medical attention.
The game is now mostly being played in the middle of the park.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:12 PM
25' | The game has slowed down
It has been a slow approach from both sides in the last couple of minutes, culminating the game into a slow progression.
It's been a game of minimal chances so far, with La Real creating 0.07 expected goals (xG) and Man Utd producing 0.06.
More actions are yet to come!
Mar 6, 2025, 6:07 PM
20' | Off target for Dorgu
Garnacho was quickly covered by three of the opposition defenders inside the box, and he channeled a pass to Dorgu on the left. However, Dorgu cut inside and skied his shot way over the crosspiece.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:05 PM
18' | Wide from Turrientes
Turrientes slid past Bruo Fernandes and a Casmiro who threw a tackle; but his grounded shot went wide off the far post.
Mar 6, 2025, 6:03 PM
16' | Good collection from Onana
Barrenetxea floated a ball into the penalty area, hoping for the trigger strikers to anticipate it for a header, but Onana came up and collected it.
Mar 6, 2025, 5:59 PM
12' | Save from Remiro
Dorgu and Garnacho combined inside the box for an attempt at goal, but the Argentine's curling effort from the left was well-claimed by the Sociedad custodian.
Mar 6, 2025, 5:56 PM
9' | Effort from Hojlund
Hojlund might have created something out of the attack from te right flank, but the United forward got his heel clipped, extending the wait for a better opportunity to come.
Mar 6, 2025, 5:52 PM
5' | United stay alert
The hosts fiercely started the game, pressing upwards on the United defence. However, the Red Devils stayed alert in scanning the cross from the left, and blocking the shot afterwards.
United defeated Sociedad 1-0 in the Anoeta in their last meeting. (Image Credit | The Independent)
Competition
Date
Home Team
Score
Away Team
UEFA Europa League
2022/11/03
Real Sociedad
0 - 1
Manchester United
UEFA Europa League
2022/09/09
Manchester United
0 - 1
Real Sociedad
UEFA Europa League
2021/02/26
Manchester United
0 - 0
Real Sociedad
UEFA Europa League
2021/02/18
Real Sociedad
0 - 4
Manchester United
UCL
2013/11/06
Real Sociedad
0 - 0
Manchester United
UCL
2013/10/24
Manchester United
1 - 0
Real Sociedad
Mar 6, 2025, 2:36 PM
Head-to-head stats (All Competitions)
Real Sociedad have won just one of their previous six European encounters against Manchester United (D2 L3), with that win coming in the group stage of this competition at Old Trafford in September 2022. They won that game 1-0 courtesy of a Brais Méndez penalty, which remains their only goal against them.
Real Sociedad have never beaten an English side on home soil in Europe (D1 L3), failing to score in each of the last three matches (all against Man Utd). They are, however, one of six sides to score in 100% of their UEFA Europa League games this season (10/10), with Man Utd also doing so (8/8).
Man Utd have lost just one of their last eight away games against Spanish opposition in Europe (W5 D2), however that defeat did come in their most recent such encounter, losing 3-0 at Sevilla in the second leg of the 2022-23 UEFA Europa League quarter final.
Matches played: 6
Real Sociedad won: 1
Man United won: 3
Draws: 2
Mar 6, 2025, 2:32 PM
Tonight's Venue | Anoeta Stadium
Mar 6, 2025, 2:30 PM
How to watch the match?
The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network.
Mar 6, 2025, 2:30 PM
Match Details
Match: Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
Tournament: UEFA Europa League 2024-25 Round of 16 tie, First Leg
How Technology is Revolutionizing Cricket and Football Training
Modern technologies have often significantly impacted sports, especially benefitting two of the most popular sports, Cricket and Football. Sportz Point explores how technology revolutionized cricket and football training.
Technology is quickly changing how players train in football and cricket, transforming conventional practices for these games and it is redefining human performance.
The role of technology in these two popular sports is visible, from relying on sensors which monitor all activity; to virtual reality simulations that aid decision-making,
In recent years, technology has become smaller, more robust, and versatile, and thus new opportunities, especially in sports, have emerged. At the moment, updates are provided through smartphones, wearable functionality is used to avoid injury, GPS is used to track movement, and players are outfitted with sensors that send real-time information to a coach's device.
This article addresses the state-of-the-art equipment and approaches that are changing the paradigm of training, player development, and the game itself.
How Technology is Changing Cricket and Football Training
1. Wearable Technology
Whoop, a wearable fitness device worn by athletes. (Image Credit | The Indian Express)
Trainers can invoke sensors wired to the body or some portion of "smart clothing" for measurement and monitoring in real-time. The real-time displays can be used to help the trainer determine what every sportsperson should push more. During training practice, trainers can use real-time measures to inform when to stretch, rest, or make training more challenging.
Laser and GPS are both being used more and more in different aspects of sports preparation. Instead of looking only at times and splits, coaches can measure athletes' exact position, distance, velocity, and acceleration, to better analyze their areas of improvement.
2. Video Analysis Tools
(Image Credit | SkySports)
Modern-day football is becoming faster and more tactical. Athletes have to acquire both their athleticism and tactical awareness to enhance their decision-making process in the course of play. Video analysis is used for both individual and team tactical development.
In football, video analysis usually consists of a careful analysis and examination of game matches, practice, and player activity, to assess player performance, tactics, and strategies. Advanced technologies such as wearable tracking units and video analysis techniques are used in the process of achieving these things to capture and analyze critical elements of data, e.g., player location, combinations of teams, and player movements.
Video analysis can be used by coaches, analysts, and players to obtain a more complete picture of what goes on around the ball by giving a graphical representation of the game happening around them.
Video analysis can help a group of individuals to recognize the points of improvement, e.g., to enhance the winning approach and cope with different match situations effectively as the tool between the raw performance data and useful insights.
3. Virtual Reality (VR) Training
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Virtual Reality (VR) applications have been of considerable interest in many high-performance and entertainment applications over the past few years with advances in technology, increased availability, and the mobility of VR systems.
More precisely, by embedding environmental constraints within an interactive virtual space, VR can also be used to train in motor, mental, and cognitive skills, strategy, and tactics.
VR offers promising novel solutions to many professional high-pressure, high-skill environments, especially for the training, and learning of difficult skills in otherwise expensive and/or hazardous settings. When properly used, VR provides complete control over the training environment, including cues and challenges, along with safe and reproducible training tasks.
Because of this, it is designated as a promising instrument, which could help increase athletes' performance.
4. Biomechanical Analysis
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The scientific study of biomechanics focuses on the physics and mechanics of how organisms move. In its general sense, it may include anything from knowing how a dancer entirely moves the whole body to the microscopic muscle cell-level response and observing the posture of an active horse.
Biomechanics is a narrower area in sports, which can offer helpful input to sportsmen, trainers, and sports medicine professionals who can help to enhance performance and decrease the chance of injury.
All of these biomechanical tests, including poor kinematics, rotational forces in specific joints, muscle imbalances, fatigue monitoring, and the quality of the movement being rehabilitated, may be detected.
5. Data Analytics
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Data analytics has optimized athletes' performance by identifying previously unknown factors and related events. Those actions include, for example, leg motion, dive angle, rotational speed, and fluid motion.
Trainers can help players to successfully use this type of sophisticated movement tracking. If it is on the order of milliseconds, it can be the deciding factor for a race win or loss.
6. Recovery Technology
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A significant reduction in injury levels and faster detection times demonstrates how technology greatly benefits sports training. Performance monitoring, movement processing, and improving communication are not only advantages but also contribute to making less susceptible environments.
Trainers and coaches can use training management software to monitor the specific training-based elements related to, for example, energy, nutrition, and sleep, that constitute the training process. Individualization of practices by trainers or coaches to optimize results helps prevent fatigue and self-inflicted injuries.
Besides the unavoidable external factors, injury-free sports may eventually be realized as a future scenario.
7. Communication and Collaboration Tools
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Training communication has been enhanced by tools such as YouTube. YouTube contains millions of minutes of exercise and entertainment that are available to, and easily shared by anyone.
Physicists, especially in the area of sport and motor control, need to put much more emphasis on teaching sport and motor control with play debates or footage from films for their continuing education.1 Athletes and coaches can load and view the required films during sports practice or leisure time.
Other communication technologies have further been developed, namely My Fitness Pal, computer or mobile-phone journals on food and exercise, and personal digital health. My Fitness Pal enables trainers to monitor athletes' everyday diets, and players would be responsible for their training.