One point each: Lillestrom and Real Sociedad seek a first Europa League win

A first win is the question

Lillestrom and Real Sociedad enter Thursday’s UEFA Europa League league-stage match level on 1 point, with Lillestrom ranked #23 and Real Sociedad #22 in the provisional standings. Both have 0W 1D 1L from 2 games, leaving each 5 points behind league leader Juventus.

The recent evidence offers no clear separator. Lillestrom’s most recent four-match sequence is Draw, Win, Loss, Draw. Real Sociedad’s most recent two-match sequence is Loss, Draw. Those samples provide context, but do not establish a longer trend.

Different home and away starting points

Lillestrom’s home record this league season is 1 win, 0 draws and 1 loss, with 3 goals scored and 3 conceded across its home games. Real Sociedad’s away record is 0 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses, with 1 goal scored and 1 conceded in its away game. Neither side has kept a clean sheet in that relevant home or away sample.

Lillestrom have used a 4-3-3 in 4 matches, while Real Sociedad have used a 4-4-2 in 2 matches. The listed absences add uncertainty: Lillestrom are missing E. B. Garnas with a knee injury and C. Jebara through injury. Real Sociedad are missing J. Aramburu with a leg injury and A. Odriozola with a knee injury; L. Beitia and Y. Herrera are questionable with ankle and calf injuries respectively.

Can Lillestrom’s home scoring record or Real Sociedad’s unbeaten away sample provide the clearer answer at kickoff?