Real Sociedad head to Denmark on Thursday to face Midtjylland in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout round playoff at MCH Arena. With a spot in the next stage at stake, the Spanish side’s superior quality could prove decisive against a Midtjylland team struggling for consistency.
Midtjylland have had the benefit of a domestic break, allowing them to focus entirely on the Europa League. However, their recent form has been shaky, winning just one of their last five Europa League matches and battling to a 2-2 draw with Fenerbahce last time out.
Despite securing a place in this play-off, history does not favor Midtjylland, they have fallen at the first hurdle in their previous two Europa League knockout appearances. Adding to this challenge, is their poor home record in this year’s competition, with Thomas Thomasberg’s men winless in three of their four matches at MCH Arena.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, have been more active, playing three domestic matches since Midtjylland's last outing. They come into this game with momentum, having won three of their last four matches in all competitions, including a 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their last outing.
Defending remains a concern for Real Sociedad, especially on the road where they have failed to keep a clean sheet in four of their last five away matches in all competitions. Imanol Algualcil’s team have also failed to keep a single clean sheet in their four away matches in the Europa League.
How the bookies view it: Advantage Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad are backed by the bookies to claim the win on Thursday at 20/21 with BoyleSports. A victory for Midtjylland is priced at 13/5 while a draw is set at 9/4 by BoyleSports.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first meeting between the two sides.
Players to watch: Red hot Mendez
Brais Mendez’s recent form has seen him score for Real Sociedad in the last two matches. BoyleSports is offering odds of 7/4 on the midfielder to find the net for a third consecutive game.
Valdemar Byskov is on track to score in three consecutive Europa matches having been on target in each of the last two fixtures for Midtjylland. The midfielder is valued at 6/1 by BoyleSports to find the net on Thursday.
Probable line-ups
With Elias Olafsson sidelined, Jonas Lossl is set to retain his spot in goal for the hosts. Kristoffer Olsson and Cho Gue-Sung remain doubtful and are the only other injury concerns for Midtjylland. The attacking trio of Adam Buksa, Dario Osario, and Doguhan Simsir are expected to spearhead their frontline.
Aihen Muñoz is unavailable, while Alvaro Odriozola and Igor Zubeldia face late fitness tests. Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to return to the line-up after starting from the bench the last time while Méndez could also be rewarded with a start due to his goal-scoring form.
Midtjylland: Lossl, Paulinho, Sorensen, Diao, Gabriel, Sorensen, Anderson, Castilo, Simsir, Buska, Osario
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Lopez, Agued, Elustondo, Aramburu, Zubimendi, Kubo, Sucic, Gomez, Oyarzabal, Mendez
Anything else catch the eye?
Two of Real Sociedad’s last three matches have produced over 2.5 goals and with both teams unconvincing at the back, a repeat can be considered at evens with BoyleSports. Both teams have scored in the Spanish team’s away games in the Europa League this season and a similar outcome is valued at 4/5 with BoyleSports.
There have been more second half goals in three of Real Sociedad’s last five matches in all competitions and a similar outcome is valued at 21/20 with Boylesports.
This UEFA Europa League match between Midtjylland and Real Sociedad will be played on Feb 13, 2025 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Midtjylland vs Real Sociedad prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
