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With a spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League on the line, Real Sociedad will look to capitalise on their first-leg advantage when they host FC Midtjylland at Reale Arena on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 8:00 PM UK time. La Real won 2-1 in Denmark last week, but their inconsistent form gives the visitors a glimmer of hope as they aim to pull off a historic comeback.

Interesting Fact:

Real Sociedad have progressed from seven of their last nine European knockout ties after winning the first leg.

Team Analysis

Real Sociedad

Current Form (Last 5 Matches)

• ❌ Real Betis 3-0 Real Sociedad
• ✅ FC Midtjylland 1-2 Real Sociedad
• ✅ Real Sociedad 1-0 Getafe
• ✅ Osasuna 1-2 Real Sociedad
• ❌ Real Sociedad 0-1 Villarreal

Real Sociedad suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Real Betis in La Liga last weekend, adding to their recent struggles. However, they have been strong in the Europa League, securing an important away victory in Denmark last week. Imanol Alguacil’s men are determined to make it to the last 16 for the third consecutive year.

Key Players to Watch

• Takefusa Kubo – The Japanese winger has been instrumental for La Real in attack, contributing with goals and assists.
• Brais Méndez – The midfielder was on target in the first leg and remains a key creative force.
• Mikel Oyarzabal – The experienced forward provides leadership and attacking threat in the final third.

Injuries & Suspensions

• Jon Pacheco (muscle injury) – Out
• Hamari Traore (knee injury) – Out
• Martin Zubimendi (suspension) – Out
• Jon Aramburu (suspension) – Out

Home Form

Real Sociedad have been strong at Reale Arena in the Europa League, winning three of their four home games this season.

FC Midtjylland

Current Form (Last 5 Matches)

• ✅ Midtjylland 1-0 Lyngby
• ❌ Midtjylland 1-2 Real Sociedad
• 🔄 Midtjylland 2-2 Aarhus
• ✅ Midtjylland 3-1 Randers
• ❌ Midtjylland 0-1 Viborg

The Danish champions bounced back from their first-leg loss by beating Lyngby 1-0 in the Danish Superliga over the weekend. However, their away form remains a concern, with no victories in their last eight knockout away matches in European competition.

Key Players to Watch

• Adam Buksa – The Polish forward has been a key player, scoring the only goal in the first leg.
• Franculino – The club’s top scorer this season with 10 goals, but he has only managed one goal in the Europa League.
• Aral Simsir – The Danish winger provides pace and creativity in attack.

Injuries & Suspensions

• Oliver Sorensen – Out
• Cho Gue-sung (knee injury) – Out
• Kristoffer Olsson (head injury) – Out

Away Form

Midtjylland have struggled on the road, failing to win any of their last eight away games in European knockout rounds (D2, L6).

Head-to-Head & Past Encounters

• Feb 2025 – Midtjylland 1-2 Real Sociedad
• Aug 2022 – Real Sociedad 1-0 Midtjylland
• Oct 2021 – Midtjylland 2-2 Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the last two encounters and remaining unbeaten in three against Midtjylland.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Real Sociedad 2-0 FC Midtjylland

Real Sociedad’s superior home form and Midtjylland’s poor away record suggest that the Spanish side will complete the job and advance to the last 16.

Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score: ❌ No
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: ✅ Over 2.5
• Anytime Goalscorer: ✅ Takefusa Kubo

Hot Stat

Real Sociedad have scored in every Europa League game this season, while Midtjylland have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four European away matches.

Possible Lineups

Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1)

Marrero; Odriozola, Elustondo, Aguerd, Balda; Sucic, Marin; Kubo, Mendez, Becker; Oskarsson

FC Midtjylland (4-3-3)

Lossl; Andersson, Diao, Bech Sorensen, Paulinho; Castillo, Silva, Andreasen; Franculino, Buska, Simsir

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