The first leg of the Europa League 2024/25 playoff between Midtjylland (Denmark) and Real Sociedad (Spain) will take place on February 13 at the MCH Arena in Herning. Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Midtjylland
The Danes finished the main stage of the Europa League in 20th place, securing 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. They advanced to 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, the average number of goals in their group stage matches was 2.25 per game, which is lower than only five other clubs.
- The number "2" appeared in the final scoreline of Midtjylland's last five Europa League matches.
- No more than two goals were scored in 6 of the last 8 games for the Danes in this tournament.
- The club has not won 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, Usman Diao, Erik Andersson – Adam Gabriel, Denil Castillo, Oliver Sørensen – Dario Osorio, Adam Buksa, Aral Simsir.
Real Sociedad
The Spaniards finished 13th in the group stage standings, just one point behind the nearest top-8 competitor. The team won half of their main round 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 playoff stage for the fifth consecutive time, but they have only advanced further once.
Defender Álvaro Odriozola will miss the match due to suspension.
- The uncompromising series for the Spaniards in this tournament consists of seven matches (4 wins and 3 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 7 of Real Sociedad's last 8 Europa League games.
- The number "2" appeared in the final scoreline of 7 of their 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 Ouskarsen.
Referee
Orel Grinfeld (Israel)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 29;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 13%.
Midtjylland vs. Real Sociedad: Match Prediction
If the Danes hope to overcome the La Liga representative, they need to perform well in the first leg. At home, the team is particularly dangerous, having lost only three of their last 20 European matches (9 wins and 8 draws). Midtjylland also boasts a strong record in the Europa League, having avoided defeat in 9 of their last 11 home games (4 wins and 5 draws). During this stretch, they only lost to Sporting and Eintracht.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad has average results away in the Europa League. In their last 15 away matches in this European competition, the San Sebastián side has only secured five wins (6 draws and 4 losses). Moreover, they have lost their last two away Europa League matches. Considering all these factors, I give a slight edge to the hosts in the first game.
My prediction – Midtjylland win or draw
