Real Sociedad defeated Manchester United 1-0 in their Europa League Group E opener on Thursday, following an impeccably observed tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Before kickoff, Old Trafford fell silent to honor Her Majesty, who died earlier that day at the age of 96, and players from both teams wore black armbands in tribute to the monarch.
According to Live Score, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was making his second start of the season, came close on several occasions for the hosts, who had only three shots on target throughout the game.
Mendez slotted home from 12 yards after substitute Lisandro Martinez had handled in the area, snapping the Red Devils’ four-game winning streak.
United were clearly the better team in the first 30 minutes, but they failed to create any clear opportunities.
Ronaldo thought he had given his side the lead 10 minutes before the interval, but his powerful header was ruled out after he had strayed into an offside position.
The Portuguese superstar inexplicably headed wide with the goal at his mercy immediately after the restart, before lashing just over from outside the penalty area.
La Real went ahead in the 58th minute when Mendez powered home from the spot after David Silva’s shot had struck Martinez’s arm.
Erik ten Hag brought on Bruno Fernandes at half-time, and Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho in the second half, but United were unable to find a way past the visitors’ stubborn backline in the closing stages.
After defeating FC Midtjylland in February 2016, United have not lost at home in 19 Europa League games, according to Live Score.
At the sixth attempt, La Real achieved their first victory in Europe over English opposition.
On Sunday, both teams resume domestic play with La Real traveling to Getafe in LaLiga and United playing away at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
