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La Real excited by Old Trafford fixture

"Everybody is eager to experience Old Trafford," coach Jagoba Arrasate told UEFA.com ahead of Real Sociedad de Fútbol's encounter with the English champions.

La Real excited by Old Trafford fixture
La Real excited by Old Trafford fixture ©UEFA.com

Beaten in their first two UEFA Champions League fixtures, Real Sociedad de Fútbol nonetheless head to Old Trafford far from cowed by their disappointing start to the club's first European campaign in ten years.

Following Group A losses to FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, La Real face Manchester United FC on Wednesday requiring a positive result to ensure qualification for the last 16 remains, however remote, an attainable goal.

A daunting prospect that may be, but the global standing and European tradition of their opponents means Jagoba Arrasate's men journey to north-west England brimming with nothing but enthusiasm.

"Knowing what Manchester United and their stadium represents, that's the game the team is most looking forward to, as well as the fans and everyone else," striker Carlos Vela, who came on against United in the 2009 semi-final second leg while with Arsenal FC, told UEFA.com.

The anticipation is not just palpable among the players; it extends to the dugout too. "I don't need to explain who Manchester United are," said Arrasate. "They're a historic club, everybody here – players and supporters – are excited about facing them. Everybody is eager to travel to Manchester and experience Old Trafford. We know it'll be difficult, but we'll have our chances."

To hear more from Arrasate and Vela, plus Antoine Griezmann, click on the video player above.

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