Thu Feb 20 19:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Midtjylland Faces Up Hill Battle Against Real Sociedad in Europa League Clash

**San Sebastian, Spain** – FC Midtjylland faces a tough challenge as they travel to the Reale Arena to take on Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League playoff tie on Thursday. Real Sociedad holds a slender 2-1 advantage from the first leg, leaving Midtjylland needing a victory to advance to the last 16 and face either Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United.

While Real Sociedad’s recent La Liga form has been lackluster – five defeats in their last seven games – their European performance has been stronger. They’ve won seven of their last nine European knockout ties after winning the first leg, giving them a psychological edge. However, a 3-0 defeat to Real Betis last Sunday, compounded by two red cards, highlights their inconsistency.

Midtjylland, meanwhile, arrives in Spain having secured a 1-0 victory over Lyngby in the Danish Superliga. They sit atop the Danish league table and are in contention for the title. Despite their domestic success, their away record in European knockout stages is poor, with no wins in their last eight attempts. A victory would mark their first-ever progression to the Europa League last 16.

Both teams will be missing key players. Real Sociedad will be without injured duo Hamari Traore and Jon Pacheco, as well as suspended players Martin Zubimendi and Jon Aramburu. Midtjylland will be without Oliver Sorensen, Cho Gue-sung, and Kristoffer Olsson due to injury.

Real Sociedad’s attacking duo, Brais Mendez and Takefusa Kubo, who both scored in the first leg, are expected to start, posing a significant threat to Midtjylland’s defense. Midtjylland’s top scorer, Franculino, will be looking to make an impact.

Despite their domestic struggles, Real Sociedad are considered favourites, particularly given their strong first-half attacking record in the Europa League. Midtjylland will need a strong start and a significant improvement on their away form to overcome the deficit and secure a historic victory.

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