Lazio and Real Sociedad Clash in Crucial Europa League Showdown

ROME, Italy — Lazio and Real Sociedad will face off in a pivotal Europa League group stage match at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 8 p.m. local time. Both teams are vying for a top-eight finish to secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages, with Lazio leading the group on goal difference and Real Sociedad just one point behind.

Lazio, unbeaten in the competition so far, come into the match with confidence after a 3-0 Serie A victory over Hellas Verona. However, their recent league form has been inconsistent, including a derby defeat to Roma. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency in La Liga but remain strong contenders in Europe, having won eight of their last 14 Europa League matches.

“These are marvellous games against a strong opponent that has a lot of character,” said Lazio coach Marco Baroni. “We must face it as if there is no tomorrow. We always play to win, that is our DNA.”

Lazio will be without suspended defender Samuel Gigot and injured midfielder Matias Vecino, but they welcome back key players from domestic bans. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, will miss long-term absentee Aihen Munoz and have doubts over midfielder Mikel Merino due to an ankle injury.

Historically, Lazio have struggled against Spanish sides, winning just one of their last 13 encounters. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, are winless in their last eight matches against Serie A opponents and have never won a competitive game on Italian soil.

With both teams eager to secure their place in the next round, Thursday’s clash promises to be a tightly contested battle. Lazio’s attacking prowess, led by Europa League specialist Ciro Immobile, will be tested against Real Sociedad’s solid defense, which has conceded just five goals in 10 away games this season.