The hosts got the better of RB Salzburg 2-1 in the two-legged playoff last month, while Real Sociedad finished on top of Group E to earn a direct qualification to the round of 16 of Europe’s second tier club competition.
Follow Us
AS Roma and Real Sociedad are set to face each other for the first time ever when they meet in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday. The hosts got the better of RB Salzburg 2-1 in the two-legged playoff last month, while Real Sociedad finished on top of Group E to earn a direct qualification to the round of 16 of Europe’s second tier competition. As of now both sides are sitting at the fourth position in their respective league-standings.
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚌𝚞𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙴#WeareReal | #UEL | #AurreraReala pic.twitter.com/Z5rlq2fzTf
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) March 7, 2023
Roma are heading into the match on the back of a narrow 1-0 win over Juventus in the Serie A on Sunday. Gianluca Mancini’s stunning strike eight minutes into the second half separated the two sides in Rome and helped the Little Cubs take their points tally to 47 from 25 games. Meanwhile when it comes to the Europa League, Jose Mourinho’s side finished second in Group C, behind Real Betis, and therefore had to come through the playoffs. Last season’s Europa Conference League champions defeated RB Salzburg 2-0 in the second leg at home, thanks to first-half efforts from Andrea Belotti and Paulo Dybala. Meanwhile, the Giallorossi have won seven of their last eight matches in front of their own supporters, so can be confident of setting up a first-leg lead to take to San Sebastian in seven days time.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, had a stunning Europa League group stage campaign, winning five of their six games to finish above Manchester United in Group E. The Eternal City club are aiming to secure their first European trophy, with their previous best run taking them to the final back in 1991. But the White-Blue haven’t had the best of preparations, heading into the European tie, not tasting victory in their last three outings. Their latest match against Cadiz in the La Liga, ended in a goalless draw. And the poor run of form has allowed Atletico Madrid to overtake Imano Alguacil’s side into the third spot in the Spanish top flight standings.
Roma boss Mourinho is likely to rotate his squad because of the hectic schedule. Left-wing-back Leonardo Spinazzola might be rested for Thursday’s game, therefore Stephan El Shaarawy could come into the playing eleven. Tammy Abraham is expected to lead the line, with Dybala and Pellegrini in support. As for Real Sociedad, veteran playmaker David Silva is back after recovering from a calf injury. Meanwhile striker Umar Sadiq is occupying the treatment room. Alexander Sorloth, Take Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal could form the attacking-trio.
Roma Probable line-up: Patricio, Llorente, Smalling, Ibanez, Karsdrop, Cristante, Matic, El Shaarawy, Pellegrini, Dybala, Abraham
Real Sociedad Probable line-up: Remiro, Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico, Zubimendi, Merino, Oyarzabal, Silva, Kubo, Sorloth
Roma
| Opponents | Score |
| Juventus | 1-0 (W) |
| Cremonese | 2-1 (L) |
| Salzburg | 2-0 (W) |
| Verona | 1-0 (W) |
| Salzburg | 1-0 (L) |
Real Sociedad
| Opponents | Score |
| Cadoz | 0-0 (D) |
| Valencia | 1-0 (L) |
| Celta Vigo | 1-1 (D) |
| Espanyol | 2-3 (W) |
| Valladolid | 0-1 (L) |
The UEFA Europa League match between Roma and Real Sociedad will take place at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday at 11:15 pm IST.
| Roma vs Real Sociedad | Key Details |
| Date | March 9 |
| Venue | Stadio Olimpico |
| Kickoff time in Italy | 6:45 pm |
| Kickoff time in Spain | 6:45 pm |
| Kickoff time in India | 11:15 pm |
The live telecast of the UEFA Europa League matches in India is available on Sony Sports network. Fans will also be able to live stream through Jio TV and Sony LIV. Besides, the match between Roma and Real Sociedad can also be seen on DAZN, NOW TV and Sky Sport Network in Italy. Meanwhile, those in Spain can catch the live action via Movistar network.
