Manchester United Captain, Bruno Fernandes stole the show with a hat-trick as they stormed into the Europa League quarter-finals with a commanding 4-1 comeback win over 10-man Real Sociedad, sealing a 5-2 aggregate victory.

Mikel Oyarzabal gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot at Old Trafford, but United’s response was swift. Fernandes netted twice from the spot and added a third from open play, while Diogo Dalot wrapped up the scoring after Sociedad’s Jon Aramburu saw red.

Tottenham Hotspur also secured a spot in the last eight, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a 3-1 win over AZ Alkmaar. Wilson Odobert struck twice, and James Maddison added another to send Spurs through.

Their next test is against 2022 champions Eintracht Frankfurt, who crushed Ajax 4-1 on the night for a 6-2 aggregate success, with World Cup winner Mario Götze netting twice.

United will face Olympique Lyon, who demolished Romania’s FCSB 4-0, courtesy of doubles from Georges Mikautadze and Ernest Nuamah.

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Elsewhere, Nico Williams inspired Athletic Bilbao to a 3-1 comeback win over 10-man Roma, securing their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will battle Rangers. The Scottish side edged past Fenerbahce 3-2 on penalties after leveling the aggregate at 3-3.

The last quarter-final fixture will see Lazio go head-to-head with Norway’s Bodø/Glimt, who knocked out Conference League holders Olympiacos.

With Spurs and United struggling in the Premier League, lifting the Europa League trophy remains their best shot at securing Champions League football next season.

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