Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick kept Manchester United’s season alive with a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad to progress to the Europa League quarter-finals 5-2 on aggregate.
Mikel Oyarzabal's early penalty gave Old Trafford a scare but two spot-kicks from Bruno Fernandes, one in each half, turned the tie around and La Real had no response once substitute Jon Aramburu was sent off for a foul on the impressive Patrick Dorgu.
Fernandes completed his hat-trick to put the tie beyond their Basque opponents before Diogo Dalot made it four on the night and 5-2 on aggregate in stoppage-time. Ruben Amorim's side will now face Lyon in the last eight with the prospect of European silverware moving closer.
Big night for Amorim
In the week that United announced their plans for a new 100,000 capacity stadium, despite chief executive Omar Berrada stressing that there will be financial backing for Amorim regardless of European qualification, it felt like a lot was on the line.
The Portuguese coach has spoken of how this competition can give his players "more energy to finish the season in a different way" and there were signs of that in their performance. It was a higher tempo than much of what fans have witnessed this winter.
With Lyon up next, this competition offers an opportunity now. The prospect of missing out on Europe for only the second time since the ban on English clubs was lifted remains. But so too does the prize of a trophy - and Champions League football with it.