Matchday two of the Europa League league phase takes Real Sociedad to Den Dreef, where Union Saint-Gilloise offer the Basque side a chance to register their first points in Belgium after an opening defeat to Bournemouth.
What the night decided
The fixture placed immediate pressure on Real Sociedad’s European campaign following their 2-1 loss to the English club in the first round. The team led by Matarazzo arrived seeking a first win of the league phase against a Union Saint-Gilloise side playing at Den Dreef.
Real’s recent form had also carried a warning. After a 3-0 victory, they were close to being pulled back level by Deportivo, with goalkeeper Álex Remiro playing a decisive part in preserving the result.
There has been a recurring concern after the hour mark, too. Real Sociedad have shown vulnerability or lapses in concentration during the final 30 minutes, both away from home and at their own ground.
Oyarzabal’s European target
Mikel Oyarzabal started the match as captain, continuing his 11th season with Real Sociedad. Despite his long-standing importance to the club, the forward had yet to score in the competition’s regular phase.
He had played in eight such European fixtures before this encounter, starting six of them, without finding the net.
Teams at Den Dreef
Real Sociedad named Marrero in goal, with Zubeldia, Sarr, Jon Martín and Sergio Gómez in defence. Ochieng, Gorrotxategi and Herrera formed the midfield, while Guedes, Oyarzabal and Sucic made up the attacking line.
| Union Saint-Gilloise listed options | Real Sociedad listed options |
|---|---|
| Chambaere, Kavlashvili, Aquino, De Roeve, Keita, Hamoutahar, Tshilanda | Remiro, Aihen, Barrene, Turrientes, Oskarsson, Kubo, Marín, Pacheco, Soler, Fort, Zakharyan, Marchal |
