Betis is examined in Rome and Real defends its leadership against the Sheriff

   MADRID, 5 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Betis faces this Thursday (9:00 p.m.) its most complicated commitment in the Europa League, the visit to the Rome Olympics to face José Mourinho's team, against whom it is played to continue fully, while Real Sociedad will try to close the first round at the top of his group, for which he will have to overcome Sheriff Tiraspol (18.45).

Manuel Pellegrini's men are facing what, a priori, is their toughest game of the group stage, the away game against Roma. Right now, Betis is the only team in the group with full points after beating HJK Helsinki and Ludogorets.

Precisely against Ludogorets, the Betis suffered more than expected to close a game in which they were ahead on the scoreboard at all times. Now, they visit Roma, who have only three points after losing to the Bulgarians, and will play their second consecutive home game after beating HJK 3-0.

The Betis lose Juanmi due to injury, but they recover Nabil Fekir, who is expected to start. In addition, it will be a special match for central defender Luiz Felipe, who arrived in Seville this summer from Lazio, where he played five seasons.

It will be a great opportunity for Betis to show that the defeat at Balaídos this weekend (1-0) was just an accident and to get the classification back on track, which would be very favorable with nine points. Opposite, Roma, arrive after achieving one of their most important wins of the season last weekend, when they beat Inter 1-2 at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Real Sociedad will try to maintain their group leadership in their longest trip, as they will have to visit Moldova to face Sheriff Tiraspol in a match that will not be played at the team's usual venue, but will be played in the capital, Chisinau.

Imanol Alguacil's men started in the best possible way in the European competition with their victory at Old Trafford against Manchester United, and on matchday two they got rid of Omonia Nicosia at the Reale Arena by a tight 2-1.

Now they visit Sheriff Tiraspol to try to achieve their fourth consecutive victory after thrashing Girona last weekend in a goal fest that ended 3-5. The Moldovans, who sufficiently dominate their local league, in Europe add a victory in Cyprus and a defeat at home against Manchester United.

It will not be an easy task for Real Sociedad, which has a long list of injured players. Imanol Alguacil will be without Robin Le Normand, Mohamed Ali Cho, Igor Zubeldia, Ander Barrenetxea, Andoni Gorosabel, or the long-term injured. The 'txuri-urdin' list has been completed by homegrown players Aritz Arambarri, Urko G. De Zárate, Unai Marrero, Jon Karrikaburu and Pablo Marín.