Real Sociedad – Inter

Real Sociedad and Inter will be more effective in the second half

On Wednesday, 20 September, Real Sociedad will play against Inter. The teams are in Group D, where Salzburg and Benfica are also represented. A very dangerous bunch in which any team can fail. The first match has an immediate high importance. Real Sociedad returns to the Champions League after a long time. The Basques finished fourth in La Liga last season, although they were not without global slumps. In 2023, the former stability is gone. The new championship started badly. From Real Sociedad in the first three rounds were expected nine points, as the opponents were extremely weak. On the way out - three draws in a row. Only the game with Granada turned out to be qualitative, when they managed to score five goals. In the last meeting, the Basques looked decent against Real Madrid, but still lost. Takefusa Kubo has a big positive influence on the team now. The Japanese is gradually becoming one of the main stars of the Spanish championship. Real Sociedad in Madrid operated on the scheme 4-4-2. It is doubtful that Imanol Alguacil will change to a formation with three centre-backs to make life difficult for Inter. The Champions League finalist is in hot form with four straight wins, a derby rout of Milan, 13 goals scored and one conceded. Inter continue their march from last season, when it was in the second part of the year that the team showed a qualitative leap upwards. The key to the club's success is belief in the coach's ideas. Now Inter have a well-established system, where each player is in his place. At the same time, the squad has not changed dramatically. Lukaku's position was taken by the younger Thuram. It has only got better. Inter are leading in advanced statistics in Italy as well. Almost all matches have been won by a huge margin. There are no global rotation problems either. For example, the reserve Frattezi scored in the derby. Veteran Arnautovic has strengthened the team. Bookmakers in the line lead Inter as favorites, but not too much. Given Sociedad's love of possession, we can assume a relatively passive first half. This is unlikely to contribute to the performance. Inter will rely on quick attacks. It is very likely that the opponents will open up after the break. Odds of even one goal in the second half look favourable. Real Sociedad have Kubo in great form. The Japanese in space can decide the outcome of the game. Inter have almost any player in the attacking group now dangerous. The Italians have scored at least two goals in every match of the new season.