Europa League: Lazio Cannot Take La Real for Granted

Lazio vs Real Sociedad

Lazio are on top of the Europa League, and it is only a matter of time before they clinch their spot in the Round of 16. With five wins and one draw, I Biancocelesti have compiled 16 points, and they are level with the second-seeded Athletic Bilbao. Marco Baroni’s men were winless in their last three games across all competitions, but they ended their mini-slump with a 3-0 victory against Hellas Verona in their domestic league yesterday.

Real Sociedad are the 12^th seed with 10 points, level with the 11^th-seeded Ajax and 13^th-seeded Bodo/Glimt. Despite this, La Real can still make it to the Top 8 if they somehow beat Lazio and if certain Europa League 2025 results go their way.

Despite their gap in the Europa League standings, Lazio and Real Sociedad look evenly matched on paper. Learn more about these two teams by reading our SBOTOP preview below.

 

Talking Points

Lazio finding their identity

Lazio moved to fourth in the Serie A table because they found their identity under head coach Marco Baroni. After playing with a 4-3-3 formation, I Biancocelesti have settled into the 4-2-3-1 formation. In last night’s win, Lazio controlled 65-per cent of the possession, and Hellas Verona were even reduced to 10 men late in the match.

Samuel Gigot opened the scoring for Lazio with his glancing header to meet Mattia Zaccagni’s corner during the second minute. They doubled their lead 19 minutes later through a cool finish by Boulaye Dia during a counterattack. Dia teed up Mattia Zaccagni near the hour mark to cap off the night with their third goal.

It is worth noting that Gigot has started the last two games for Lazio since he was not on good terms with Marco Baroni earlier this season. Because of his recent performances, the French centre-back should continue to start alongside Mario Gila or Alessio Romagnoli at the back.

Pedro should have fresh legs against Real Sociedad because he didn’t start against Hellas Verona. The 37-year-old has the most goal involvements in the Europa League with four goals and two assists, and he’ll likely join Taty Castellanos, Boulaye Dia, and Mattia Zaccagni in the final third.

 

Important rotations for Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad started the new calendar year positively with three consecutive victories in all competitions, but they lost 1-0 to Valencia yesterday. One can argue that La Real lost since Imanol Alguacil didn’t put out his best team yesterday.

Top scorers Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal, and playmaker Ander Barrenetxea came off the bench against Los Che. Kubo and Oyarzabal have four league goals each, and Barrenetxea has one league goal and two assists. All of them are expected to start against Lazio. Orri Oskarsson and Sheraldo Becker, who have combined for three league goals, will likely come off the bench when needed.

Sergio Gomez is the x-factor for La Real, as he has been the team’s standout playmaker this season. The former Manchester City man already has four assists and can play multiple positions, either as a left-sided wing-back or an attacking midfielder.

 

History

Lazio have won just one of their last 13 games against Spanish opposition across all competitions (D4, L8), losing six of their last seven (D1). Thursday marks their first-ever competitive encounter with Real Sociedad. Lazio won 2-0 in their club friendly against Real Sociedad in 2011. Marco Baroni’s men won five of their six Europa League games this season (D1) and are looking to win more games in a single major European campaign for the first time since the 2017-18 Europa League (W7).

Real Sociedad are winless in their last eight meetings against Italian sides across all competitions (D5, L3), and they’ve never won away against a Serie A club before (D2, L3).

 

Betting Tip

Lazio and Real Sociedad should give football fans a close fight on Thursday at Stadio Olimpico, and the Europa League 2025 odds agree. Because they’re playing at home, Lazio have a slight edge at 2.18 odds, whereas Real Sociedad are at 3.06 to win, and a draw is at 2.98 in the 1X2 market.

Both teams are loaded with firepower, so fans will likely see a handful of goals this Thursday, with the hosts expected to score more than their visitors. Besides our recommended bet, you can check out alternatives like Over 2.00 at 1.72, Over 2.25 at 2.04, and Total Goal 2-3 at 1.98. Moreover, a Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of I Biancocelesti – the result of their previous meeting – has a robust 10.00 offer.

   

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