Sheriff Tiraspol vs Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad take a trip to the Stadionul Zimbru to take on Sheriff Tiraspol, looking to consolidate their place at the top of Europa League Group E.

Sheriff Tiraspol got their Europa League Group E campaign off to a flyer, claiming a clear-cut 3-0 triumph at Omonia Nicosia on day one. Yet, a 2-0 home loss to Manchester United last time out has thrown Sheriff’s hopes of progressing into the knockouts of a major European competition for the first time. But the reigning Moldovan champions have enjoyed an eye-catching improvement in the Europa League, racking up four wins in their last seven matches (L3), as many victories as in their first 21 in the competition (W3, D10, L8). Stjepan Tomas’ men have fond memories of their only previous two-legged meeting with Spanish opponents as they defied the odds to beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in last season’s Champions League group stages before losing at home.

As for injury-hit Real Sociedad, a morale-boosting 1-0 win at Man Utd in their Group E curtain-raiser followed up by a 2-1 home triumph over Omonia places them at the summit ahead of matchday three. Another success on Moldovan soil would see ‘La Real’ win three Europa League outings in a row for the first time since November 2017! Optimism shouldn’t be in short supply. Imanol Alguacil’s side fought back twice to pull off a stellar 5-3 away victory at fellow La Liga rivals Girona last weekend, taking their winning streak in all competitions to three matches. Adding to the visitors’ confidence, they’ve lost just one of their last nine Europa League fixtures on foreign soil (W3, D5).