This time, we’re gearing up for the initial knockout matches in both the Conference League and Europa League. Additionally, our sole remaining Slovenian representative, NK Celje, is set to host Lugano at home. The betting odds for this match are quite close, and naturally, we are rooting for Celje to put on a great performance and secure a victory on their home turf. We'll delve deeper into the match between Real Sociedad and Manchester United.
Draw
AZ Alkmaar – Tottenham Hotspur
1X2, Regular match part
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad – Manchester United
1X2, Regular match part
Match Overview: The first leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 will kick off at 18:40. Real Sociedad, struggling with consecutive goalless defeats against Real Madrid and Barcelona, is now facing Manchester United in their first knockout clash. It's noteworthy that this marks the third encounter in five seasons between these teams in this tournament, and Sociedad has a chance to capitalize on United's problems. However, history isn’t exactly favoring them, as in their previous three home matches against United, Sociedad has failed to score (with one draw and two losses). Coach Imanol Alguacil is confident in his team’s form, having seen them score in all ten of their Europa League matches this season. They’ve also performed excellently at their home ground, Reale Arena, where they’ve suffered just two defeats in 14 games (11 wins, 1 draw), including four consecutive victories in this competition. On the other hand, Manchester United arrives in Spain with a depleted and fatigued squad after a penalty shootout loss to Fulham in the FA Cup. This marked their third defeat in the last six matches, increasing pressure on coach Ruben Amorim, especially with fans dissatisfied with both the results and the style of play. Interestingly, they’ve lost only once in their last eight European away games against Spanish teams (5 wins, 2 draws), but that sole defeat came in their latest meeting with Sevilla (3-0). Furthermore, six of their last seven European seasons have ended in elimination at the hands of Spanish teams. For the Red Devils, captain Bruno Fernandes is a key player, contributing a remarkable 24 direct goal involvements this season (11 goals, 13 assists), at least ten more than any other available player on the squad. Much will ride on this star player today.
In their last five Europa League matches, Manchester United has only found the net once before halftime.
The last European encounter between Real and United ended with a narrow victory for the Red Devils away from home (0-1) back in 2022.
Betting odds: Stake bookmaker Currently, the odds for a Spanish team victory stand at 2.10. A draw is priced at 3.30, while a Red Devils win away comes in at odds of 3.65.
Lazio Roma
FC Viktoria Plzen – Lazio Roma
1X2, Regular match part
AS Roma
AS Roma – Athletic Bilbao
1X2, Regular match part
Bodo/Glimt
Bodo/Glimt – Olympiakos Piraeus
1X2, Regular match part
Betis Sevilla
Betis Sevilla – Vitoria SC
1X2, Regular match part
Draw
FC Copenhagen – Chelsea FC
1X2, Regular match part
NK Celje
NK Celje – FC Lugano
1X2, Regular match part
SK Rapid
Borac Banja Luka – SK Rapid
1X2, Regular match part
Molde FK
Molde FK – KP Legia Warsaw
1X2, Regular match part
