The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League playoffs between Midtjylland (Denmark) and Real Sociedad (Spain) will take place on February 13 at the MCH Arena in Herning. Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Midtjylland
The Danish team finished the main stage of the Europa League in 20th place, securing 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. They reached the playoffs thanks to positive results in the last two rounds, defeating Ludogorets away (2-0) and drawing with Fenerbahce at home (2-2). Notably, an average of 2.25 goals were scored in their group stage matches (only five clubs had a lower average).
- The number "2" appeared in the final score of Midtjylland's last five Europa League matches.
- No more than two goals were scored in 6 of the last 8 games involving the Danish team in this tournament.
- The club has failed to win in 7 of their last 10 matches in this European competition (3 draws and 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Midtjylland (4-3-3)
Jonas Lössl – Paulinho, Mads Bech Sørensen, Ousmane Diomande, Erik Andersson – Adam Gabriel, Denil Castillo, Oliver Sørensen – Dario Osorio, Adam Buksa, Aral Simsir.
Real Sociedad
The Spanish team finished 13th in the group stage standings, just one point behind the nearest top-8 competitor. They won half of their group stage matches, drew once, and lost three times. In the final round, they defeated PAOK (2-0). It is worth noting that Real Sociedad has reached the playoffs for the fifth consecutive time, but they have only progressed beyond this stage once.
Defender Álvaro Odriozola will miss the match due to suspension.
- The Spanish team's uncompromising streak in this tournament stands at seven matches (4 wins and 3 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 7 of Real Sociedad's last 8 Europa League games.
- The number "2" appeared in the final score of 7 of the Basque side's last 10 away matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
Unai Marrero – Aritz Elustondo, Sergio Gómez, Álvaro Odriozola, Nayef Aguerd – Brais Méndez, Martín Zubimendi, Pablo Marín Tejada – Ander Barrenetxea, Sheraldo Becker, Orri Oskarsson.
Match Prediction: Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad
If the Danish team hopes to overcome a representative from La Liga, they need to perform well in the first leg. They are most dangerous on home turf, having suffered only three defeats in their last 20 European matches (9 wins and 8 draws). Midtjylland has also shown solid form in the Europa League, avoiding defeat in 9 of their last 11 home games (4 wins and 5 draws). Their only losses in this period came against Sporting and Eintracht.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, has average results away in the Europa League. In their last 15 away matches in this competition, the San Sebastian team has won only five times (6 draws and 4 losses). They have lost their last two away games in the Europa League. Considering all these factors, I give a slight edge to the home side in the first game.
My prediction: Midtjylland to win or draw
Ferencvárosi
Viktoria Plzen
Saint-Gilloise
Ajax
Fenerbahce
Anderlecht
Porto
AS Roma
AZ Alkmaar
Galatasaray
PAOK
FCSB
Twente
Bodø / Glimt
