Matchday 5 in the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League sees Real Sociedad of Spain take on Ajax of the Netherlands at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián on November 28. Real Sociedad vs. Ajax: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Predicted lineups for Real Sociedad vs. Ajax
Real Sociedad (4-3-3): Unai Marrero – Jon Aramburu, Javi Lopez, Igor Zubeldia, Nayef Aguerd – Sergio Gomez, Martin Zubimendi, Takefusa Kubo – Mikel Oyarzabal, Orri Oskarsson, Luka Sucic.
Ajax (4-3-3): Remko Pasveer – Youri Baas, Daniele Rugani, Anton Goei, Jorrel Hato – Kian Fitz-Jim, Branco van den Boomen, Kenneth Taylor – Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey, Mika Godts.
Each team's starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is listed above.
Real Sociedad
The Spaniards find themselves in 25th place in the standings, trailing the 16th position by two points. After four rounds, the team has only one victory, achieved on neutral ground against Maccabi Tel Aviv (2-1). Additionally, San Sebastián drew with Nice (1-1) and lost 1-2 to Anderlecht and Viktoria Plzeň. Notably, Real Sociedad has won only once in their last seven Europa League matches (2 draws and 4 losses).
- Both teams scored in all four of the club's matches in this Europa League campaign, with exactly two or three goals scored in each game.
- The Spaniards have not scored more than one goal in 6 of their last 7 games in this tournament.
- The club has not won the second half in their last seven Europa League matches (5 draws and 2 losses).
Ajax
The Dutch side thrashed Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0 at home in the last round. This was their third large-margin victory in this Europa League stage, each with a clean sheet. They also recorded an away draw against Slavia (1-1). As a result, Ajax is in second place, trailing the stage leader Lazio by two points. It's also noteworthy that the club has conceded the fewest goals in this tournament's main round (only 1 goal).
- Ajax's unbeaten streak in the Europa League stands at six matches (5 wins and 1 draw).
- The club has not conceded in 6 of their last 8 games in this European competition.
- One of the teams won with a clean sheet in the second half of Ajax's last seven matches in this tournament.
Real Sociedad vs. Ajax: Match Prediction
I predict that Francesco Farioli's team will manage not to lose in the upcoming match. The Netherlands has shown strong performances in the Europa League and are deservedly among the leaders of this stage. In their last 11 matches in this competition, Ajax has lost only once in regular time, securing 9 wins and 1 draw. Additionally, the club has not lost away in the Europa League for five consecutive matches (4 wins and 1 draw). Furthermore, the team has scored in 12 of their last 13 away Europa League matches.
San Sebastián has not won at home in their last three Europa League matches (1 draw and 2 losses). It's also worth noting that this season, the Spaniards have struggled at home in La Liga, winning only two of seven games (1 draw and 4 losses). Meanwhile, Ajax has lost only once in the Eredivisie after 12 rounds (9 wins and 2 draws).
My prediction – Ajax to win or draw