Real Sociedad and FC Midtjylland are set to clash in the decisive second leg of their Europa League knockout play-off encounter at the Reale Arena. With Sociedad holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, the Danish visitors must overturn the deficit in what promises to be a tightly contested match.
🇪🇺 Here comes the wolf 🐺#UEL pic.twitter.com/X4qYZOW6qS
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) February 19, 2025
Real Sociedad vs FC Midtjylland Team Form & Key Statistics
Real Sociedad: Recent Performance & Key Stats
Real Sociedad come into this fixture following a disappointing 3-0 away defeat to Real Betis in La Liga. Despite maintaining 31% possession, Imanol Alguacil’s squad struggled to generate offensive opportunities, failing to record a single shot on target.
In their last 10 league games, Sociedad have:
- Won 4, lost 5, and drawn 1.
- Scored an average of 0.9 goals per game.
- Taken 2.7 shots on goal per match from 9.6 attempts.
- Maintained an average of 54.7% possession with 409.6 passes per match.
- Conceded 1.2 goals per game and allowed 3.8 shots on target.
- Kept 4 clean sheets.
Key Players:
- Top Scorers: Brais Méndez & Mikel Oyarzabal (2 goals each)
- Top Assists: Jon Olasagasti, Sheraldo Becker, & Mikel Oyarzabal (1 assist each)
- Goalkeeper Form: Álex Remiro has recorded 4 clean sheets.
FC Midtjylland: Recent Performance & Key Stats
FC Midtjylland secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Lyngby in the Danish Superliga, courtesy of Adam Buksa’s goal. Their recent away form suggests they could struggle to find the net against Sociedad’s resolute defense.
In their last 10 league matches, Midtjylland have:
- Won 5, lost 4, and drawn 1.
- Averaged 1.5 goals per match from 4.7 shots on target and 12.6 attempts.
- Maintained 48.3% possession and completed 436.2 passes per game.
- Conceded 1.4 goals per match, facing 4.7 shots on target from 15.2 total attempts.
- Kept 1 clean sheet.
Key Players:
- Top Scorers: Adam Buksa & Franculino (3 goals each)
- Top Assists: Victor Bak, Pedro Bravo, & Mads Bech (1 assist each)
- Goalkeeper Form: Elias Olafsson has 1 clean sheet in his last 10 games.
Tactical Analysis & Key Matchups
Defensive Stability vs Attacking Threats
Sociedad’s solid defensive record in La Liga will be crucial against Midtjylland, who have struggled in recent away fixtures. The Basque side’s ability to control possession and limit shots on target could stifle the Danish club’s offensive efforts.
Set-Piece Effectiveness
Both teams have demonstrated proficiency in set-piece situations. Sociedad’s 4.9 corners per match and Midtjylland’s 6.2 corners indicate that dead-ball situations could be pivotal in determining the outcome.
Head-to-Head Record & Recent Meetings
Sociedad claimed a 2-1 away victory in the first leg, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Midtjylland will need to break down a defense that has recorded 11 clean sheets in 24 La Liga matches.
Predicted Lineups
Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Unai Marrero
Defenders: Álvaro Odriozola, Aritz Elustondo, Nayef Aguerd, Jon Balda
Midfielders: Luka Sučić, Pablo Marín
Forwards: Takefusa Kubo, Brais Méndez, Sheraldo Becker
Striker: Orri Óskarsson
FC Midtjylland (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Jonas Lössl
Defenders: Joel Andersson, Ousmane Dião, Mads Bech, Paulinho
Midfielders: Denil Castillo, Dani Silva, Valdemar Byskov
Forwards: Franculino, Adam Buksa, Aral Simsir
Real Sociedad vs FC Midtjylland Betting Predictions & Odds Analysis
Key Betting Insights:
- Both Teams to Score – No (1.75 odds): Sociedad have failed to score in 11 of their 24 La Liga matches, while 7 of Midtjylland’s last 10 away games have also seen at least one team fail to score.
- Under 2.5 Goals (1.85 odds): Given Sociedad’s defensive discipline and Midtjylland’s limited offensive output away from home, a low-scoring game is likely.
- Real Sociedad to Win (1.50 odds): The Basque club’s home advantage and superior possession stats make them favorites.
Predicted Score:
Real Sociedad 2-0 FC Midtjylland
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👋 @fcmidtjylland 🤗 #UEL pic.twitter.com/mU5Wa90UoO
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) February 19, 2025
Conclusion
This crucial second-leg fixture will test Midtjylland’s resilience against a disciplined Real Sociedad side. With a strong home record and solid defensive organization, Sociedad hold the advantage. The betting markets suggest a cautious approach, favoring a low-scoring game with Sociedad emerging victorious.
