Last Friday, Nice created a huge stir by thrashing Saint-Étienne 8:0, recording the most lopsided victory of the current season in Europe's top five leagues. Real Sociedad, in their current state, can only dream of such wins: they have managed to secure only five points in seven La Liga matches.
The demolition of Saint-Étienne was not Nice's first big win this campaign; they also triumphed over Angers (4:1). It seems that Youssoufa Mukoko has fully acclimated to Ligue 1: the German prodigy, on loan from Borussia Dortmund, registered 2+1 by half-time on Friday. Injuries to Gaëtan Laborde, Terem Moffi, and Morgan Sanson have not hindered the team, as their coach has successfully integrated new players, leading to a dangerous attacking trio of Youssoufa Mukoko, Evann Guessand, and Floyd Ayité.
In September, Real Sociedad's form completely collapsed—they failed to score a single goal over 360 minutes of La Liga play and earned only two points. Against Real Valladolid (0:0), Imanol Alguacil once again could not rely on Brais Méndez, Arsen Zakharyan, Álvaro Odriozola, and Hamari Traoré—the midfielders and fullbacks were key attacking options. The team sits just one point above the relegation zone in La Liga, and conceding seven goals in seven matches offers little hope for a successful Europa League start.
Clearly, with the status of the third-best attack in France (14 goals), Nice will make their mark in the Europa League. Crisis-hit Real Sociedad are not the most dangerous opponent for their European opener. The French club is certain to score at least one goal, making this bet highly attractive.
