Real Sociedad secured their spot in the UEFA Europa League knockout stages with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Midtjylland on Thursday, sealing a commanding 7-3 aggregate triumph.
The San Sebastian outfit wasted no time asserting dominance, capitalizing on a defensive blunder from the Danish side just five minutes in.
Brais Méndez was in the right place at the right time, effortlessly slotting into an empty net.
Luka Sučić quickly doubled the advantage, finishing off a well-placed assist from Ander Barrenetxea.
However, Barrenetxea went from hero to villain in the 24th minute, conceding a penalty that Adam Buksa converted to bring Midtjylland back into the contest.
The visitors found an equalizer in the 38th minute, with Dario Osorio benefitting from Buksa’s excellent control of a cross, setting up an easy finish.
Just before the halftime whistle, Sučić struck again, driving a shot through a crowded penalty area following a smartly executed corner, restoring Sociedad’s lead.
The Spanish side’s task became even easier in the 69th minute when Midtjylland’s Dani Silva received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Igor Zubeldia.
Four minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal calmly converted from the penalty spot after being fouled, extending Sociedad’s lead.
Orri Óskarsson put the icing on the cake deep into injury time, ensuring a dominant win and setting up a tantalizing clash with either Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United in the next round.
