HNK Rijeka vs Real Sociedad
HNK Rijeka vs Real Sociedad Thursday 22nd October 2020 – 17:55 Kick-Off
UEFA Europa League Group F
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 20th October 2020)
Preview: Group F in this season of the UEFA Europa League looks likely to be a competitive affair. Real Sociedad are second favourites to win the section, and the current league leaders in Spain kick-off proceedings away to the rank outsiders, HNK Rijeka, at Stadion Rujevica.
UEFA Europa League Betting at Bet365
Table of Contents
HNK Rijeka Preview – Group outsiders reliant on home record?
With a top two finish in six of the past seven league seasons, capturing the domestic cup in each of the last two, HNK Rijeka can command plenty of respect in Croatia. That isn’t the case in Europe, though, where their record remains underwhelming. As despite featuring in the Europa League group stage on three previous occasions, most recently in 2017-18, they have never made it any further.
Will this season be any different? It remains to be seen. Although it seems unlikely that a team which regressed domestically, albeit only slightly, will suddenly flourish up against stronger calibre of opposition. However, victory in the play-off over last season’s beaten quarter-finalists – an FC Copenhagen side who were eliminated following an extra-time loss to Manchester United – should have instilled a fair amount of belief.
Furthermore, the club’s home record across their three previous group stage campaigns (in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2017-18) was solid, losing only twice in nine such games (W3 D4 L2). While they have started the new domestic season in a similar vein, registering four wins out of four at their Stadion Rujevica in north-west Croatia, with three coming by a 2-1 scoreline.
Real Sociedad Preview – La Liga leaders keen to build on early season exploits?
La Real begin a second Europa League group stage campaign on a real high. Sunday’s accomplished performance in the 3-0 win away to Real Betis was their second in as many league games and their third overall for the season, lifting them to the summit of Spain’s La Liga just in time to mark their return to European competition following a relatively brief two-year absence.
With some inviting fixtures to come in La Liga – five of the next seven opponents finished either in the bottom half of the table last season or were recently promoted – there is every likelihood of them consolidating their lofty position atop the Spanish top-flight. The more pressing concern for head coach Imanol Algaucil, though, will be Thursday’s awkward assignment in Croatia.
Real Sociedad fared well on their sole previous group stage appearance. In 2017-18 they finished runner-up behind Zenit, who happened to be the only side to take points off the Spaniards. The weakest outfit in that particular section were FK Vardar, whom they thrashed 6-0 in Macedonia in one or two away wins to nil. While I suspect a more rigorous challenge awaits here, they are still firm favourites to begin with a win.
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Rijeka vs Real Sociedad Betting Advice
Provided Imanol Alguacil, the Real Sociedad boss, doesn’t take Thursday too lightly, with regards to the strength of his line-up, the points are expected to go the way of the Spanish side whose early season form (W3 D2 L1) has been the best in Spain. However, it is unlikely to be straightforward. Rijeka are in good form as well, particularly at home where all four wins domestically this season have come.
HNK Rijeka vs Real Sociedad – Key Facts
- Three wins in nine home games (W3 D4 L2) from HNK Rijeka in their three previous appearances in the Europa League group stage.
- In their only sole experience of the Europa League group stage, in 2017-18, Real Sociedad won two out of three away fixtures and scored in each outing.
- The last two Spanish sides to take on HNK Rijeka in Croatia were both held to draws. The Croatians winning only two of ten such meetings (W2 D4 L4).
The visitors are possibly a little on the short side to clinch all three points. Their price can be juiced up to 8/5 (PaddyPower) though combined with Over 2.5 Goals. Considering Rijeka’s four home matches in this season’s Croatian Prva HNL featured exactly two goals for the hosts but only one clean sheet, there is every chance we could see a few goals. Particularly with Real Sociedad netting seven in their three away outings.
Best Betting Odds – Rijeka Vs Real Sociedad
Rijeka – 4/1 (Betfair)
Draw – 16/5 (BetFred)
Real Sociedad – 7/10 (Betway)
