Real Sociedad Vs Anderlect

Real Sociedad is set to face off against Anderlecht at Reale Arena on Thursday in the second match of the UEFA Europa League group stage, marking the Basque side’s first European home fixture of the season. The Spanish club began their Europa League journey with a hard-fought draw away to Nice, while Anderlecht collected all three points in their opening group match, a home victory over Hungarian outfit Ferencváros.

Match Preview: Real Sociedad’s Road to Europe

For Real Sociedad, this encounter holds particular significance as it marks their first European home match since the bitter disappointment of losing 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie in March. That defeat dashed their hopes of advancing further in Europe’s premier club competition, sending them back into the Europa League following a sixth-place finish in La Liga during the 2023-24 season.

The 2024-25 campaign has seen them take a step down from the heights of the Champions League to compete once again in the Europa League, a competition they will be hoping to make a deep run in. Manager Imanol Alguacil will be keen to see his side secure a victory in their first home match of this European campaign, having already navigated a challenging fixture away to Nice last week.

In that opening game, Real Sociedad showcased their resilience and attacking threat, with Ander Barrenetxea firing them into an early lead in the 18th minute. However, their French opponents fought back, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. While Sociedad may have been satisfied with a point away from home, the result extended an unwanted trend, as it was their sixth consecutive match without a win across all competitions.

Fortunately for La Real, their winless streak came to an emphatic end on Saturday with a dominant 3-0 victory over Valencia in La Liga. Takefusa Kubo, one of Sociedad's standout players this season, opened the scoring, and young striker Orri Oskarsson came off the bench to seal the win with a late brace. That victory was a much-needed boost for Alguacil’s men, giving them confidence as they prepare for Anderlecht’s visit.

The Basque club has established itself as a tough opponent in European competitions over the past few seasons, especially at home. The Reale Arena is known for its intense atmosphere, and Sociedad will be looking to capitalize on that advantage as they face the Belgian side for the first time in UEFA competition.

Anderlecht's Resurgence in Europe

Anderlecht, once one of the most feared teams in European football, are looking to rebuild their continental credentials. The Belgian club has a rich history in European competitions but has experienced a decline in recent years. Their last appearance in the Europa League group stage was in the 2018-19 season, and since then, they have struggled to make a significant impact in continental competitions.

However, Anderlecht returned to the Europa League proper this season after securing a third-place finish in the Belgian Pro League last term, which granted them a spot in the playoff round. They navigated that stage with relative ease, overcoming Belarusian champions Dinamo Minsk with a 2-0 aggregate victory to book their place in the group phase.

The Belgian side’s ambitions are clear—they want to make it out of the group and into the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals in the 2016-17 campaign. That season, Anderlecht were eliminated by Manchester United, the eventual champions, and the club has not come close to replicating that success in the years since. Now under the interim management of David Hubert, Anderlecht is seeking to re-establish themselves as a European force.

Their Europa League campaign began on a positive note, with a 2-1 win at home against Ferencváros in their first group-stage match. Yari Verschaeren and Kasper Dolberg were the heroes of that contest, each scoring a goal to give the Belgian side a vital victory. It was Hubert’s first win as Anderlecht’s interim boss, following two successive draws in the domestic league.

Despite the initial success in Europe, Anderlecht’s domestic form has been inconsistent. The Purple & White have managed just one win from their last six competitive matches in all competitions. Hubert’s appointment as interim manager has brought some stability, but the team has yet to hit their stride, with draws becoming a frustratingly common outcome. However, their away form has been solid, as they remain unbeaten in five away matches this season, something that could give them confidence heading into the clash in Spain.

Real Sociedad: Key Players and Tactical Approach

Real Sociedad’s strengths this season have largely revolved around their midfield dynamism and the creative talents of players like Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal. Kubo, in particular, has been a standout performer, offering pace, flair, and a goal-scoring threat from the flanks. His goal against Valencia last weekend underscored his importance to the team, and he will be one of the players Anderlecht will need to be wary of.

Oyarzabal, the club captain, remains a pivotal figure for Real Sociedad. His ability to influence games with his passing, vision, and leadership makes him a crucial component of Alguacil’s setup. Although he has not been as prolific in front of goal as in previous seasons, his role in creating opportunities for others has been invaluable. Alguacil’s system is built around fluidity and movement, with Oyarzabal often dropping deep to link up play between the midfield and attack.

In terms of tactical approach, Real Sociedad tend to dominate possession and press high up the pitch. They favor a 4-3-3 formation, with a midfield trio that combines defensive solidity and creative flair. Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi provide the backbone of the midfield, allowing the more attack-minded players to push forward. Anderlecht will have to be prepared for an intense battle in the middle of the park, as Sociedad will look to control the game from the outset.

Defensively, Real Sociedad have been solid at home, though they have had some lapses in concentration that have cost them in key moments. Robin Le Normand has been a rock at the back, and his leadership will be crucial in marshalling the defense against an Anderlecht side that has shown they can be dangerous on the counter-attack.

Anderlecht: Players to Watch and Tactical Setup

Anderlecht’s strength lies in their ability to remain compact and hit teams on the break. Interim manager David Hubert has set his team up to be difficult to break down, with a focus on defensive organization and quick transitions. This approach was evident in their victory over Ferencváros, where they absorbed pressure and struck clinically on the counter-attack.

One player who has been central to Anderlecht’s game plan is Yari Verschaeren. The young Belgian international has been one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Anderlecht’s famous academy in recent years. His technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball make him a key figure in the team’s attacking play. Verschaeren often operates in the number 10 role, where he can pull the strings and create chances for his teammates.

Another player to watch is Kasper Dolberg, who joined Anderlecht on loan from Nice in the summer. The Danish striker has had a positive start to life in Brussels, with his goal in the win over Ferencváros showcasing his finishing ability. Dolberg will be a threat to Real Sociedad’s defense, especially if Anderlecht can create opportunities on the counter-attack.

Defensively, Anderlecht will rely heavily on the experience of Moussa N’Diaye and the leadership of captain Jan Vertonghen. The former Tottenham Hotspur defender brings a wealth of experience to the Belgian side, and his presence at the back will be crucial if they are to keep Sociedad’s attack at bay.

The Tactical Battle: How the Match Could Unfold

This match promises to be an intriguing tactical battle between two teams with contrasting styles. Real Sociedad will look to dominate possession, press high, and create chances through their creative midfielders and wingers. Anderlecht, on the other hand, will likely sit deeper, remain compact, and try to hit Sociedad on the counter-attack.

Alguacil will be aware of Anderlecht’s threat on the break and may instruct his team to be cautious when committing men forward. The Basque side’s full-backs, who like to push high up the pitch, will need to be wary of Anderlecht’s pace on the wings, particularly with Verschaeren and Dolberg lurking to exploit any space left behind.

Anderlecht’s challenge will be to withstand the pressure that Sociedad will inevitably apply, especially in the opening stages. The Belgian side will need to be disciplined in defense and clinical when opportunities arise. If they can frustrate Sociedad and keep the game tight, they may fancy their chances of snatching a result, especially given their strong away form this season.

Prediction

Real Sociedad will be confident going into this match, especially after their commanding victory over Valencia. However, Anderlecht’s resilience and unbeaten away record this season suggest that this will be far from a straightforward encounter for the Spanish side. The key for Sociedad will be breaking down Anderlecht’s disciplined defense while remaining cautious of the counter-attack. Ultimately, La Real’s superior quality and home advantage may just tip the balance in their favor, but Anderlecht could make it a nervy evening at the Reale Arena.