Europa League: Athletic Club and Real Sociedad Pursue Distinct Goals in Final Group Game

Synopsis

On January 29 in Madrid, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad will play their last group-stage matches in the Europa League, aiming for different outcomes. Athletic needs only a draw against Viktoria Plzen to secure a top-eight finish, while Sociedad faces PAOK Salonika in a more precarious situation.

Key Takeaways

Athletic Club requires a draw to ensure a top-eight finish in the Europa League.
Real Sociedad faces a critical match against PAOK Salonika, with both teams on 10 points.
Athletic Club is coming off a significant loss to Besiktas.
Coach Imanol Alguacil hopes for a strong reaction from Real Sociedad after recent defeats.
Both teams are aiming to avoid the playoff round in February.

Madrid (Spain), Jan 29 (NationPress) The Spanish clubs Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad are set to compete in their concluding group-stage matches of the Europa League on Thursday, each with distinct goals. Athletic will host the Czech team Viktoria Plzen at San Mames, as they currently sit third in the 36-team group. The Basque club only requires a draw to secure a top-eight spot and avoid the February playoff round.

A defeat could still allow Athletic to finish in the top eight, depending on the outcomes of Galatasaray and Bodo/Glint - who are currently ninth and tenth respectively - not winning their matches, according to reports from Xinhua. Athletic comes into this fixture following a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Besiktas, which has been described as their worst performance of the season, alongside a frustrating 0-0 draw against Leganes, despite making 29 attempts on goal.

Coach Ernesto Valverde is still without key midfielder Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, while Oihan Sancet may return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in the Leganes match following an ankle injury. Plzen, having won three of their last four Europa League matches, could provide a significant challenge as they aim for a win to secure their place in the top eight.

Conversely, Real Sociedad is set to meet the Greek team PAOK Salonika at home under more complicated circumstances, with both squads currently tied on 10 points. While it seems unlikely that either team will fall out of the top 24 or miss out on a playoff spot, a loss does present a minimal risk of elimination.

The team from San Sebastian faced a difficult week after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Lazio and a 3-0 loss at home against Getafe over the weekend, leading to fan dissatisfaction and criticism from forward Take Kubo regarding their lackluster performance.

Coach Imanol Alguacil aims for a strong response, yet with a draw likely sufficient for both teams, this outcome could be the most probable.