Real Sociedad vs PAOK prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-01-29 20:00.
[p]A nervy final league phase match awaits Real Sociedad in this season’s UEFA Europa League (UEL), as their progression to the knockout stages stalled after suffering a 3-1 defeat away to Lazio last round. A point here should be enough to see them through, but even that seems uncertain since they suffered two defeats in La Liga âto nilâ either side of that Lazio loss. [/p]
[p]Returning to the Reale Arena in a European setting should boost their confidence, as the Royals have won their last two home UEL matches without conceding themselves, and will be aiming for a hat trick of home victories in major European competition for the first since 2003. Standing in their way is a first-ever matchup with PAOK Salonika, which serves as Sociedadâs third encounter with Greek opposition, after beating and drawing against Olympiakos over two decades ago. [/p]
[p]The Greeks have a much more storied history with Spanish opposition, although it doesnât make for pretty reading when hitting the road having never won on Spanish soil in six prior attempts (D2, L4). That record will spark similar concerns to their hosts with regards to progression to knockout rounds since theyâre equal on points with Sociedad. [/p]
[p]RÄzvan Lucescuâs men seemed down and out in the competition after securing just one point in their first four games, but winning their last three UEL matches all with accompanying clean sheets has seen them come storming back. The same sentiment doesnât resonate when looking at their away form recently however, with PAOK going without victory in their last three road trips (D1, L2).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Takefusa Kubo may be able to settle the nerves in the Reale Arena, considering four of his five club goals this season have served as the match opener and subsequent decisive goal. PAOK would most likely lean on Giannis Konstantelias to get them back in the game since heâs scored all six of his goals on the continental scene after half-time.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Just two of Real Soceidad’s last 16 matches have seen both teams score. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Peter Stavrinou[/i][/p]