Real Sociedad open Europa League against Bournemouth under revamped format | OneFootball

Real Sociedad begin their Europa League campaign against Bournemouth, the club’s 21st season in Europe since 1974/75. According to Diario Vasco, they start tomorrow and close the league phase on 28 January in Turin against Juventus.

This is the competition’s new format, a single 36-team table with eight fixtures, four at home and four away. Teams face eight different opponents, not home and away. Places one to eight go straight to the last 16, nine to 24 contest a play-off, and 25 to 36 are out on 28 January.

La Real’s eight opponents are Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Lyon, Juventus, Union Saint Gilloise, Lillestrom, Torreense and Viktoria Pilsen, with the last two in San Sebastián. Finishing in the top eight would be a notable return given that schedule. Locally, some still weigh the value of Bournemouth points against those to come versus Valencia.

Real first entered Europe in 1974/75, losing 1-0 to Banik Ostrava at Atocha then 4-0 away, in the old knockout UEFA Cup. Recent seasons indicate that 14 to 16 points can be needed for a top-eight finish, with ninth place landing on 16 last term and 14 the year before. In 2024/25 La Real were 13th on 13 points, while the first side eliminated had 10, and last season’s 24th had nine.

President Jokin Aperribay has questioned why Imanol Alguacil’s side have not gone beyond the last 16 in four Europa Leagues, despite talents like Isak, Silva and Sorloth, adding that youngsters now need opportunities. Those exits ranged from a contentious penalty against Leipzig in 2022 to Roma’s control a year later, then anger at decisions by referee Benoit Bastien at Old Trafford in 2024/25. Takefusa Kubo said their aim is to try to win the Europa League.

European nights also matter financially, with participation worth €4.31m and league-phase wins and draws paying €450,000 and €150,000. Progression adds €300,000 for places nine to 24, €1.75m for the last 16, €2.5m for the quarters, €4.2m for the semis, €7m for the finalist and another €6m for the winners. La Real earned €20.18m in 2024/25, while their Champions League season yielded €44m.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”