FC Midtjylland delivers a Basque lesson as Real Sociedad bow out of the Europa League

Real Sociedad has reached the final 16 of the UEFA Europa League for the second time in three seasons, securing a convincing 5-2 win (7-3 on aggregate) against a resilient FC Midtjylland at the Reale Arena.

After a 2-1 triumph in Denmark the previous week, Sociedad was anticipated to make an assertive start.

And they didn’t disappoint, striking early within the first five minutes. Ousmane Diao misplayed a pass to Mads Bech Sorensen, who stumbled in the box, allowing Brais Mendez to pounce on the loose ball and score the opener—mirroring his goal from the first leg.

The Basque outfit maintained their dominance and extended their lead in the 18th minute, as a brilliant pass from Mikel Oyarzabal set up Ander Barrenetxea, who squared the ball across for Luka Sucic to finish with ease.

Midtjylland seemed set for a long evening, but against the odds, they equalised from the penalty spot when Barrenetxea made the slightest contact with Denil Castillo inside the area.

Despite the theatrical nature of the fall, Adam Buksa capitalised by sending his shot low into the bottom-right corner, deceiving Alex Remiro.

Incredibly, they found themselves level on the night just a quarter-hour later, as Mendez’s misplaced pass was seized by Pedro Bravo. He then fed Dario Osorio, who unleashed a powerful strike at the near post using the outside of his boot.

Sociedad responded emphatically and reclaimed the lead just before the half-time whistle. After a corner from Takefusa Kubo was only partially cleared, Sucic seized the opportunity, slamming the ball past Lossl to restore their advantage.

While the first half set a high standard for the rest of the match, Aritz Elustondo had a golden chance to extend the lead, only to send the ball slightly wide of the post from the edge of the box.

There was drama in the 75th minute when Dani Silva unceremoniously caught Igor Zubeldia with his studs during a challenge, seemingly in retaliation for an earlier foul.

Although that incident wasn’t the final nail in the coffin, the penalty awarded to Sociedad a minute later—when Juninho clumsily bundled over Oyarzabal in the box—certainly was.

Oyarzabal confidently stepped up to take the penalty and dispatched it into the far-left corner, leaving Lossl with no chance.

Midtjylland recognised that the game was beyond them, and further misery followed when substitute Arsen Zakharyan delivered a cross for fellow substitute Orri Oskarsson, who finished neatly from close range, marking his fourth European goal.

Ultimately, this was Sociedad’s first home victory in a European knockout tie since Christmas this century, and it truly was a stroll in the park.

The reward for their efforts? A challenging clash against either Tottenham or Manchester United in the next round, both of whom remain the bookmakers’ favourites to win the Europa League, despite their underwhelming domestic campaigns so far.