Will the Belgian champions strike twice again?
The reason is that their Europa League home games aren’t played at their own, severely dilapidated Stade Joseph Marien, but in Leuven, Flanders, about 30 kilometers away.
At least, from the Belgians’ perspective, their away debut in the competition was a success. The Brussels-based team secured a 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzeň from the Czech Republic. In contrast, the opening match was less successful for the visiting Basques, who suffered a 1-2 defeat at home against the “Cherries” from Bournemouth.
Union’s victory in Pilsen fits right in with the picture of a team that has otherwise been playing consistently well lately. The Blue-and-Yellows are unbeaten in their last seven competitive matches on the national and international stage, with only one game ending without a win.
This successful run has been driven in no small part by a strong offense. With that in mind, for the match between Royale Union SG and Real Sociedad, we’re predicting at least two goals by the home team.
In addition, the odds on a home win with a clean sheet could be worth considering. Alongside a strong offense, the team from Duden Park also boasts a rock-solid defense that has kept a clean sheet in five of their last six wins.
Royale Union SG – Real Sociedad Head-to-Head Record
This is the first-ever matchup between the Belgian and Iberian teams. For this debut clash between Royale Union SG and Real Sociedad, the betting odds slightly favor the home team, the “Unionistes.”
Royale Union SG – Real Sociedad Prediction
Among the hosts’ strong offense, as mentioned, new signing Relebohile Mofokeng deserves special praise. The South African striker has found the back of the net in three of the past five competitive matches for Coach David Hubert’s team. His strong form was also on display during the recent international break, when Mofokeng scored a brace for his home country in the match against Eritrea.
Brussels’ notoriously excellent scouting department may have once again found a rough diamond to polish at Duden Park. The home team’s attack has also been impressive from a collective standpoint in recent weeks. In their Europa League opener, they scored three goals against Pilsen.
Now, with the Basques coming to town, they’ll face another opponent that currently appears vulnerable defensively. In their last five competitive matches, the La Liga side has conceded at least two goals! Given this situation, we’re betting on the Belgian runners-up to score two or more goals again in the match between Royale Union SG and Real Sociedad.
