The second leg of the Europa League 2024/25 playoff between Real Sociedad (Spain) and Midtjylland (Denmark) will take place on February 20 at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián. The first match ended 2-1 in favor of Real Sociedad. Real Sociedad vs. Midtjylland: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Sociedad
The Spanish side secured a victory in the first encounter, managing to defeat their opponent on the road with a 2-1 scoreline. Now, to advance to the Round of 16, they only need to avoid defeat in the return leg. This victory marks their fourth in the last five Europa League matches, with a loss to Lazio in between. Notably, in the last two European seasons, the San Sebastián team reached the Round of 16 in both the Champions League and Europa League.
- The club's uncompromising streak in this tournament stands at eight matches (5 wins and 3 losses).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 8 of Real Sociedad's last 9 Europa League games.
- The number "2" appeared in the final score in 6 of the last 8 matches of the Spanish side in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
Unai Marrero – Aritz Elustondo, Jon Aramburu, Jon Pacheco, Jon Balda – Brais Méndez, Pablo Marín Tejada, Jon Ander Olasagasti – Takefusa Kubo, Ander Barrenetxea, Orri Oskarsson.
Midfielder Martín Zubimendi and defender Jon Aramburu will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation, while defender Amari Traore is out with an injury.
Midtjylland
The Danish team has not progressed beyond the Round of 32 in any European competition this century. It seems unlikely they will break this pattern now, as they need to defeat the Basques by two goals or more on the road. If the return leg ends with a one-goal victory for the visitors, extra time will be played. It's also worth noting that the team has only one win in their last six Europa League matches (1 draw and 4 losses).
- The number "2" appeared in the final score in the last six matches of Midtjylland in this tournament.
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 7 of the last 9 matches of the Danish side in the Europa League.
- In 8 of the last 10 matches of the club in this European competition, exactly 1 goal was scored in the first half.
Predicted lineup for Midtjylland (4-3-3)
Jonas Lössl – Paulinho, Mads Bech Sørensen, Usman Diao, Erik Andersson – Dani Silva, Denil Castillo, Oliver Sørensen – Dario Osorio, Adam Buksa, Aral Simsir.
In the club's infirmary are forward Cho Gue-sung, midfielders Oliver Sørensen and Kristoffer Askildsen, and goalkeeper Elias-Rabn Olafsson.
Referee
Serdar Gözübüyük (Netherlands)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 37;
Average yellow cards per match – 6.2;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 50%.
Match Prediction: Real Sociedad vs. Midtjylland
The level of the San Sebastián side is higher than that of the Danes, and the Spanish league's ranking is stronger than the Scandinavian. This was evident in the first match – the Basques scored two goals in the first half, conceding only one in response, and confidently saw the match through to a logical conclusion. I believe that in the return leg, the La Liga representative will prevail with experience.
It is noteworthy that Real Sociedad has won their last three home matches in the Europa League. Moreover, the team did not concede a single goal in this series, and the victories were achieved with a margin of two or three goals. The Danes have mediocre away records – in their last nine matches, they have only two victories, which they achieved against modest Ludogorets and Maccabi Tel Aviv (there were also three draws and four losses). Therefore, my prediction is: Real Sociedad win
