Real Sociedad will host FC Midtjylland at the Reale Arena on February 20, 2025, for the second leg of their Europa League knockout phase tie. Having won the first leg 2-1, the Spanish side enters the match with high hopes of advancing to the next round.
The first match showcased Sociedad’s offensive strengths, with Brais Mendez scoring the opening goal followed by Takefusa Kubo doubling the lead just 31 minutes in. Although Midtjylland’s Adam Buksa managed to score, pulling one back for the Danish team, they face considerable challenges heading to Spain.
Kick-off is set for 8:00 PM local time, and there’s plenty at stake for both teams. Sociedad, under manager Imanol Alguacil, has been inconsistent lately, currently sitting 11th in La Liga and struggling to recapture the form they displayed last season. They have lost four of their last five league matches but continue to perform well in Europe.
Alguacil's squad will be missing right-back Hamari Traore, out for the remainder of the season due to injury. Six players, including Mendez and Kubo, are on the brink of suspension, each having accumulated four yellow cards. Alguacil’s challenge is to balance team rotation to minimize suspension risks and maintain momentum.
Meanwhile, FC Midtjylland has their own roster issues, as Kristoffer Olsson and Cho Gue-sung are set to miss the match. Centre-back Ousmane Diao must avoid receiving a booking if he wishes to participate in the next round of the competition, adding pressure to him during the game.
Betting odds favor Sociedad, listed at 4/7 to win the match outright, with Midtjylland at 5/1 as outsiders. Following their recent performances, including a 1-0 victory against Lyngby, Midtjylland will be eager to overturn the deficit. They have scored five goals over their last three games but have struggled to convert chances away from home, failing to score in five of their last eight travels across all competitions.
Despite their domestic struggles, Sociedad has been performing well during this Europa League campaign, winning four of their last five matches, with three of those matches featuring clean sheets. This consistency could prove decisive as they approach the second leg.
Sociedad has notched at least two goals in seven of their last ten games overall, showcasing their attacking prowess. And with players like Mikel Oyarzabal tipped to be key contributors—his scoring odds set at 6/4—the Spanish side is prepared to make their intentions clear early on.
For fans and punters alike, predictions suggest caution as both teams may find it challenging to get on the scoreboard. The 'Both Teams to Score' market leans toward no, implying at least one side may blank, which is set at -125 odds. This could indicate a defensive showdown as both clubs look to secure their paths moving forward.
Real Sociedad’s lifting spirits following the first leg might inspire them to take the game to Midtjylland right from the start, but approaching the game with caution will involve managing risks associated with players on yellow cards.
Match day promises to be thrilling as fans fill the Reale Arena, uniting behind their teams for this highly anticipated encounter. With both clubs possessing contrasting trajectories and motives, the outcome will indelibly impact their respective campaigns as they seek glory on the European stage.