- Lazio secured direct qualification to the Europa League Round of 16 with a commanding 3-1 win over Real Sociedad
- Lazio is at the top of the group standings with 19 points and is virtually uncatchable with one match left
- Real Sociedad’s Aihen Muñoz was sent off in the 30th minute, which significantly impacted the match
- Goals from Mario Gila, Mattia Zaccagni, and Taty Castellanos sealed Lazio’s sixth consecutive win in the group stage
- Real Sociedad is in 18th place and is almost certain to play in the knock-out stage
Key Takeaways:
Lazio virtually secured the top spot in their Europa League group and direct qualification to the Round of 16 after defeating Real Sociedad 3-1 at home in the seventh round of the group stage. The victory marked Lazio’s sixth in the competition, leaving them on 19 points, three ahead of their closest challengers Eintracht Frankfurt and Athletic Bilbao, who both have an inferior goal difference by seven goals.
Lazio remain FIRST place & UNBEATEN in Europa League 👏🦅
Massive for the UEFA coefficient as it was a direct battle against a Spanish team. Bravo 📈🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/jzu03r5Gv1
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) January 23, 2025
The match started strongly for Lazio, with Mario Gila opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Real Sociedad failed to clear the ball during a free kick, and Gila capitalized with a powerful strike. The game took a decisive turn in the 30th minute when Real Sociedad’s left-back Aihen Muñoz received a second yellow card for fouling Gustav Isaksen, leaving the visitors with ten men.
Lazio quickly exploited the advantage, doubling their lead two minutes later when Mattia Zaccagni scored, assisted by Isaksen. Taty Castellanos added a third goal in the 34th minute with a header from Nuno Tavares’ cross. Real Sociedad managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute through substitute Ander Barrenetxea, who scored with a header.
This win strengthens Lazio’s position at the top of the standings, making it almost impossible for their closest competitors to surpass them in the final round. Lazio’s superior goal difference gives them a significant advantage over Eintracht Frankfurt and Athletic Bilbao.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, is positioned 18th with 10 points and is almost certain to participate in the knockout playoffs. Their last match against PAOK will be crucial as they aim to secure place in the competition’s next phase.