Leipzig instantly returned to winning ways after their loss to Bayern Munich and as they prepare to host Real Sociedad in the Europa League knockout round playoff, they’ll be a more confident side. The German side started 2022 on a high after struggling a bit last year, which saw their elimination from the Champions League. The Germans were slow starters to the Champions League and by the time they picked up it was too late. A run of three unbeaten matches wasn’t enough to secure a second place finish and that’s why Leipzig are in the Europa League. They last played in this competition in 2018, and went winless in the final three matches but here they come a much stronger and improved side. In four of their last five matches they’ve won and scored two or more in each of the last five matches. At home, Leipzig have four straight wins going into this game.
Real Sociedad returned to winning ways after a three-match slump with a 2-0 victory over Granada in the Spanish league. They will be fired up for this game after that win, especially as they look to stabilize in attack, having failed to score in three of their last four matches. a 4-0 defeat at home to Real Betis in the Copa Del Rey a fortnight ago left Sociedad really exposed and they needed a win to carry into this game, for the confidence. In four of their last five matches, Sociedad have clean sheets, including in a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid. They are unbeaten in their last four away matches, winning two and drawing as many, a run they will hope to extend out in Germany. Their run away from home in the Europa League isn’t the greatest though, having managed just one win in the last six.
Real Sociedad haven’t been scoring a lot lately and here they meet a fired up Leipzig side. The Germans have started 2022 in a very strong fashion and have been good both defensively and in attack. At home in their last four matches, Leipzig have registered straight wins and we will back them to win here.