The Basque squad already has a clear view of which opponents they will not face in this scenario.
Real Sociedad remains competitive in the Europa League and aims to advance to the round of 16 in the continental tournament. Before learning the identity of their potential opponent, there is still some anticipation. So, who could appear in the next stage? Early signals are starting to surface regarding the draw…
Which teams could Real Sociedad meet in the Europa League round of 16 draw for the 2022-2023 season
Is a Spanish club likely to be drawn against them? The answer turns out to be no. This outcome is dictated by the rules governing this stage of the competition:
• The top eight teams from the Europa League group stage receive seed status. The eight playoff winners who come through the knockout rounds are not seeded.
• The strongest qualifiers from the group stage earn the right to host the second leg.
• Clubs from the same federation are kept apart and cannot face one another.
Teams seeded in the round of 16 draw
Group stage winners (seeded) Arsenal (ENG) Betis (ESP) Fenerbahce (TUR) Ferencvaros (HUN) Feyenoord (NED) Freiburg (GER) Real Sociedad (ESP) Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL).
Eight playoff round winners (unseeded) Union Berlin (GER) Gent (BEL) Juventus (ITA) Leverkusen (DE) Roma (ITA) Sevilla (ESP) Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) Sporting CP (POR).
Note: The above list reflects the typical seed and unseeded placement under current UEFA regulations, which aim to balance travel, avoid domestic clashes, and preserve competitive fairness across the knockout phase. Real Sociedad would potentially face any of the unseeded playoff winners or one of the seeded group winners, subject to the ongoing results and the federation conflict rule. The draw process also considers geographic variety and the potential for intriguing matchups that captivate fans across Europe.
In practice, the exact pairing will be revealed when the draw takes place, and Real Sociedad will prepare to adapt to the opponent’s strengths. The team has shown resilience and depth in the group stage, often leveraging tactical flexibility and player movement to unlock defenses. Whether the objective is to protect a home advantage in the second leg or to strike on the road, the squad remains focused on advancing and extending its continental campaign.
Analysts highlight that the round of 16 stage tends to feature a mix of seasoned European performers and rising contenders. Real Sociedad’s path could hinge on their ability to manage travel, fatigue, and squad rotation while maintaining cohesion and attacking intent. Supporters can anticipate a decisive phase where every fixture carries significant weight, and the selection process ensures that matchups foster high-quality football across venues in Europe.
Ultimately, the draw will determine not only the opponent but also the strategic approach for each leg. Real Sociedad will weigh options, including potential advantages of hosting the second leg or defending with discipline in away settings. The club’s scouting network and coaching staff will study potential rivals, evaluating defensive organization, counterattacking speed, and set-piece threats to tailor preparations accordingly.
As details emerge, fans can stay tuned for the official announcements, while analysts will translate the results into clear predictions about potential pathways through the knockout rounds. The Europa League remains a stage where tactical chess and moments of individual brilliance can reshape a season, and Real Sociedad will be eager to add another chapter to its European narrative.
Source: not disclosed in this version