Inter Milan vs Real Sociedad

More than bragging rights is at stake as Inter Milan and Real Sociedad go head-to-head in a top-table Champions League Group D six-pointer at Giuseppe Meazza.

Despite sealing their third consecutive Champions League knockout progression with two games to spare, Inter Milan won’t take this fixture lightly as they can finish atop their group for the first time since 2011/12. With nothing but a goal difference separating the sides ahead of the kick-off, Inter’s only chance of leapfrogging Sociedad into the table’s summit is to tilt evenly-balanced all-time H2H stakes into their favor (W1, D1, L1). Although their disappointing European record against Spanish clubs doesn’t inspire much confidence (W16, D15, L26), ‘I Nerazzurri’ won’t shy away from the challenge after racking up a jaw-dropping 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W10, D3). Simone Inzaghi’s side showcased their mental fortitude in the last Champions League round, hauling back a 3-0 HT deficit to hold Benfica to a 3-3 draw.

Like their hosts, Real Sociedad drew their last Champions League fixture as their trip to RB Salzburg yielded a scoreless stalemate. Imanol Alguacil’s men ought to take this trip in a buoyant mood after winning back-to-back La Liga matches ‘to nil’ en route to extending their unbeaten run in competitive action to seven games (W5, D2). ‘La Real’ have fared exceptionally well on hostile turf this term, clocking five wins and two draws on seven competitive travels since a 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid in early October. That form, coupled with a 100% away record in this season’s Champions League, strengthens Sociedad’s effort to post their first-ever UEFA win on Italian soil, having lost on three of their four previous visits to the country (D1).