- Bruno Fernandes’ Hat-Trick Leads Manchester United to Europa League Quarter-Finals.
- Chelsea Overcomes Copenhagen as Dewsbury-Hall Secures Conference League Progression.
- What’s Next? Manchester United and Chelsea Set for European Quarter-Final Clashes.
Manchester United and Chelsea secured their spots in the quarter-finals of European competitions, with United delivering a dominant 4-1 win (5-2 on aggregate) over Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League, while Chelsea battled to a 1-0 victory (3-1 aggregate) against Copenhagen in the UEFA Conference League.
Bruno Fernandes’ Hat-Trick Powers Manchester United’s Europa League Triumph
- VAR Drama as Real Sociedad Take Early Lead
The match began with high drama at Old Trafford as Real Sociedad were awarded a penalty following a VAR review in the 10th minute.
Matthijs de Ligt was penalized for a challenge on Mikel Oyarzabal, who confidently converted from the spot to hand the visitors a crucial away goal.
However, Manchester United responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, Rasmus Hojlund won a penalty, and Bruno Fernandes stepped up to equalize.
With the home crowd roaring, United seized control, with Joshua Zirkzee’s creativity and Alejandro Garnacho’s relentless pressing stretching Sociedad’s defense.
Fernandes’ Clinical Finishing Secures United’s Quarter-Final Spot
The second half saw United raise their intensity.
Just three minutes after the restart, Patrick Dorgu’s blistering pace drew another penalty, and Fernandes confidently converted his second spot-kick of the night, putting United ahead.
Sociedad’s hopes of a comeback took a massive hit in the 56th minute when Jon Aramburu received a red card for fouling Dorgu in a last-man challenge.
United capitalized on the extra man, dominating possession and attacking with intent.
In the 87th minute, Bruno Fernandes completed his hat-trick, finishing off a brilliant counter-attack assisted by Alejandro Garnacho.
Diogo Dalot sealed the victory in stoppage time, smashing home United’s fourth to complete a 4-1 rout (5-2 on aggregate).
Chelsea Scrape Past Copenhagen to Secure Conference League Quarter-Final Berth
- Stamford Bridge Struggles: Chelsea Lack Cutting Edge in the First Half
Unlike United’s emphatic win, Chelsea’s performance was less convincing.
The first half at Stamford Bridge was frustrating for the home side as they failed to register a single shot on target, struggling to break down a resolute Copenhagen defense.
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Josh Acheampong made promising runs down the flank, while Tyrique George attempted to create openings, but Chelsea lacked the clinical edge needed to threaten the Danish side.
Dewsbury-Hall’s Winner Seals Chelsea’s Progress
Manager Enzo Maresca responded at halftime by introducing Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer, and the impact was immediate.
Chelsea’s tempo increased, with Palmer dictating play in midfield.
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Palmer slipped a clever pass to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who used strength and composure to weave through defenders before coolly slotting past the Copenhagen goalkeeper.
Despite Copenhagen’s late push, their best opportunity fell to Rodrigo Huescas in stoppage time, but he blazed his effort over the bar.
Chelsea closed out the match comfortably, securing a 1-0 victory (3-1 on aggregate) and a place in the Conference League quarter-finals.
What’s Next?
Manchester United will face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Chelsea will meet Legia Warsaw in the Conference League quarter-finals.
Both clubs now turn their attention to domestic football, as United prepare to face Leicester City, while Chelsea travel to the Emirates for a massive Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Key Match Stats: Europa League & Conference League
- Manchester United 4-1 Real Sociedad (5-2 Aggregate)
✅ Goals:
Manchester United: Fernandes (16’ pen, 50’ pen, 87’), Dalot (90+1’)
Real Sociedad: Oyarzabal (10’ pen)
✅ Red Card: Aramburu (Sociedad, 56’)
✅ Next Opponent: Lyon (Europa League QF)
- Chelsea 1-0 Copenhagen (3-1 Aggregate)
✅ Goal: Dewsbury-Hall (55’)
✅ Next Opponent: Legia Warsaw (Conference League QF)
Final Thoughts: United and Chelsea March On in Europe
Manchester United produced a dominant display, led by Bruno Fernandes’ masterclass, while Chelsea battled past Copenhagen with a narrow but effective win.
With quarter-final ties approaching, both teams will need to step up their performances as they continue their European journeys.
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