On the 8th of November one of the matches of the Champions League in football took place. Real S-dad (San Sebastian) and Benfica (Lisbon) met.
Champions League
RealS-Dad (San Sebastian) - Benfica (Lisbon ) - 3:1 (3:0)
Goals: Mikel Merino (6), M. Oyarzabal (11), Barrenechea (21) - Rafa Silva (49)
Warnings: Florentino Luis (20), Barrenechea (63), Carlos Fernandez (87).
Real Sociedad emerged victorious in a thrilling UEFA Champions League match against Benfica at the Real Arena. At half-time the score was 3-0 in favour of the home side, but Benfica managed to fight back and make the score 3-1 by the break. The match got off to a fast start, with Real Sociedad taking the lead as early as the 6th minute. Midfielder Mikel Merino struck his team's goal, giving them the lead. The home side continued to dominate and increased their lead in the 11th minute thanks to a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal. In the 15th minute, Real Sociedad looked to have scored a third goal, but it was cancelled due to a foul. However, they didn't have to wait long: in the 21st minute, Ander Barreneccea made the score 3-0. Benfica's luck took a turn for the worse: in the 20th minute Florentino received a yellow card for a rough foul. The Portuguese couldn't find their rhythm of play and in the 29th minute they conceded from the penalty spot, depriving themselves of a chance to reduce the deficit. Benfica came out for the second half with renewed vigour and managed to score a goal in the 49th minute through Rafa Silva, which gave them a glimmer of hope.
However, Real Sociedad's defence stood firm and did not allow any more goals. In the second half, both teams made several substitutions to freshen up the squads. The intensity of the game remained high, with Real Sociedad's Ander Barreneccea receiving yellow cards in the 63rd minute and Carlos Fernandez in the 87th minute. At the end of the match, the players continued to battle on the pitch. In the 85th minute, Benfica made three crucial substitutions: Joao Mario, Chiquinho and Kristoffer Tengstedt. Real Sociedad also made a substitution in the 86th minute, with Aritz Elustondo and Andoni Odriosola coming on the pitch. Despite their efforts, Benfica were unable to close the gap and the match ended 3-1 in favour of Real Sociedad. This victory was a hard-fought win for the Spaniards and showed their prowess in the Champions League. This result will boost Real Sociedad's confidence going into the tournament, while Benfica will have to regroup and strategise to improve their chances in future matches. This match was a testament to the unpredictability of football and the excitement it generates for fans around the world.
In the next round, the following matches await the opponents: Real S-Dad vs Salzburg, Benfica vs Inter.
| Real Sociedad | Benfica | |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Kicks to the goal | 4 |
| 17 | Kicks | 11 |
| 4 | Blocked shots | 4 |
| 15 | Penalty kicks | 6 |
| 2 | Penalty kicks | 5 |
| 17 | Offences | 8 |
| 10 | Corner | 3 |
| 2 | Offsides | 2 |
| 53% | Ball possession | 47% |
| 2 | Yellow cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 3 | Keeper saves | 3 |
| 402 | Total assists | 359 |
| 322 | Accurate assists | 270 |
| 80% | Accuracy of transmissions | 75% |