A midweek full of European football delights continues on Thursday with the final round of Europa League matches. There’s plenty of action for armchair fans, with some of the sport’s best teams battling it out for a spot in the next round. But the match that has caught the eye of our team of football writers is in Spain, where Real Sociedad host Roma at 20:00 GMT.
The visitors have the upper hand in this Spain-Italy match after Roma went down 2-0 on aggregate in the first leg. They have factored home advantage into the race for a comfortable position, but Roma’s coaching staff, players and fans know nothing is set in stone just yet. This tie is all about balance, and if managers think they only need to show up to get the job done, they may be in for a shock. An early goal from Sociedad would have turned this game around in front of the fans. And the locals know it.
Football history books and stat sheets show that Real Sociedad and Roma have only met once before in the competition. That introduction came earlier this month at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where the Serie A side won 2-0. Can Roma maintain their 100% record in this game?
Real Sociedad know that losing again is not an option, while a draw could also see them out of contention. It’s an all-or-nothing scenario for the locals, with an exciting night ahead. Will they remove it? Read on to find out as our writers examine both teams’ stats and recent form before settling on our final prediction.
The Spanish were poor during their travels
Real Sociedad are one of many Spanish teams to have done well in the competition over the years, with La Liga providing more Europa League champions than any other league. They traveled to Rome for the first leg of this Round of 16 encounter hoping to be competitive. If they couldn’t get an away win, the main goal was to avoid a heavy defeat that would make this rematch meaningless. Despite losing by two goals to nil on Italian soil, they did it. The tie remains well made.
Sociedad lost the first leg 2-0, derailing their European campaign, but only slightly. The home side are under pressure as they play at home in the second leg but know an early goal will change everything. Cheered on by the crowd, Sociedad will look to score an early goal to help build momentum and put pressure on their opponents. The sooner they break the deadlock, the better it will be in the minds of Real Sociedad fans. But they should avoid the urge to come out all guns blazing. A tactical and safe approach is required.
If Sociedad fail to score in the opening exchanges, their chances will not be over. It doesn’t matter when or how they score the goals they need if they win the night by two or more. Finding the net is much more important than scoring early because Real Madrid need goals. If they score first, the game will go on and the crowd will come alive. If Sociedad concede the first goal, they will have more pressure on their shoulders.
Roma still has work to do
With a two-goal aggregate lead, Roma fans would be forgiven for thinking this game was over. But there is still plenty to play for in Spain and those in the away dressing room will be aware of that fact. Yes, they control and hold all the aces here, but a lapse in focus can ruin a draw. This has happened to Roma in the past, but have they learned from their past mistakes? Only time will tell.
Roma are in such a commanding position thanks to their excellent work in Rome last time out. They cruised to a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad thanks to goals from Stephan El Shaarawy, who scored 13 minutes from time before Marash Kumbulla scored two minutes before the final whistle. They left it late to get their second, but it may be the goal that carries them through. A 1-0 lead is always dangerous, but a two-goal cushion gives them a chance.
Roma have played just one game since beating Sociedad in the Europa League, losing at home to Sassuolo on Sunday. It was a game that Roma were expected to win, and they did score three goals, but some woeful defending helped the opposition to a 4-3 win. The final score shows that it was a tough affair, but Sassuolo were well appreciative of the three points.
“Real Sociedad” – “Roma” prediction
Roma are two goals ahead on aggregate, meaning they can afford a narrow defeat and still go through. Their dreadful display on Sunday, where they conceded four goals, will give fans cause to fear, while Sociedad’s attack will arrive in confident spirits. If Sociedad start well, they should have the class to score first and make things interesting.
Europa League odds
The pre-match betting odds, available to all 22Bet members in this competition, offer Real Sociedad at 2.07, while Roma can be doubled up at 3.82. If you prefer to have your bet on the draw, it’s 3.24 to finish the night level.
Be sure to place a bet “Real Sociedad” – “Roma”. With 22Bet.