Mourinho will be looking to add another trophy to his cabinet
AFP
From Manchester United and Real Sociedad battling for a place in the quarter-finals to Ange Postecoglou’s last shot at keeping his second-season trophy hopes alive, Gulf News explores the key talking points ahead of the Europa League last-16 second-leg clashes.
**United look to avoid defeat repeat**
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Manchester United welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford for the second leg of their UEL last-16 clash, with the tie finely poised after a 1-1 draw in San Sebastián. Ruben Amorim’s side are unbeaten in Europe this season (W5, D4) and will look to capitalize on home advantage to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Old Trafford may no longer be the fortress of old, but United’s record in the UEL on home turf is formidable. They’ve lost just once in their last 28 home matches in the competition (W21, D6), with that solitary defeat coming against Sociedad in September 2022. The Red Devils will be eager to avoid a repeat of that slip-up, especially after being pegged back in both their first-leg encounter and their recent 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal.
For Sociedad, the UEL represents a lifeline in an otherwise underwhelming campaign. A 1-0 loss to Sevilla at the weekend extended their winless streak to four matches (D1, L3), leaving them adrift in La Liga’s race for European qualification. Imanol Alguacil’s side face an uphill battle, particularly given their poor form on the road, with five defeats in their last six away games across all competitions.
History doesn’t favour the visitors either, as Sociedad have managed just one win in four trips to England in European competition (D1, L2). However, that lone victory came at Old Trafford under Alguacil’s guidance, and they’ll need a repeat performance to reach their first European quarter-final since 1988/89.
**Ange’s last hope of second season trophy**
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Tottenham Hotspur welcome AZ Alkmaar to North London, determined to overturn a 1-0 deficit and keep their European aspirations alive. For manager Ange Postecoglou, this match carries added significance as the Europa League stands as his final opportunity to deliver silverware in his second season—a goal he confidently pledged earlier in the campaign, citing his track record of winning trophies in year two.
Spurs’ attacking record at home in the UEL inspires confidence, having scored in a record 29 consecutive home matches in the competition. They’ve also netted nine goals across their four group-stage games this term. However, their defensive frailties remain a concern, with just one clean sheet in their last seven outings across all competitions (W2, D1, L4). A resolute defensive display will be crucial if they are to progress to their first European quarter-final since the 2018/19 season.
AZ, meanwhile, come into the game full of belief after a strong first-leg showing. Maarten Martens’ side have won seven of their last nine matches in all competitions (D1, L1) and benefited from a weekend off.
However, their record on English soil is dismal, with nine defeats in nine European trips to England—the worst 100% losing streak against English opposition in major European football. This also forms part of a ten-game winless streak away in Europe (D2, L8), stretching back to March 2023.
**Mourinho masterclass?**
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Rangers are on the brink of securing a quarter-final spot following a commanding 3-1 victory over Fenerbahçe in Istanbul. That triumph has put the Scottish side firmly in control, and progression would mark their best performance in the competition since reaching the final in 2021/22.
Unbeaten at Ibrox against Turkish opposition (W3, D2), Rangers boast a formidable home record in the UEL, losing just two of their last 14 matches (W9, D3). Interim manager Barry Ferguson will be eager to see his side finish the job, though the looming Old Firm derby against Celtic may be a slight distraction.
That said, Rangers’ impressive record of advancing in 24 of their 25 European ties after leading by two or more goals in the first leg should inspire confidence.
Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, arrive in Glasgow knowing they face an uphill battle. Head coach José Mourinho remains optimistic, declaring the tie “not over,” despite his side’s poor form in away knockout fixtures, having won just one of their last 11 such matches (D3, L7). The Turkish side’s recent record on the road includes conceding two or more goals in five of their last six games.
While Fenerbahçe’s 18-match unbeaten streak prior to the first leg (W13, D5) shows their potential, overturning a two-goal deficit at Ibrox will be a tall order. They’ll need their first-ever away win in Scotland to progress, having drawn both previous visits.
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