Real Madrid impressed in Europe by topping their group with a decisive win that sealed a spot in the knockout rounds, following Inter’s result elsewhere.
Real Sociedad’s 3-1 victory over Benfica kept the Basque side’s European campaign on track. Imanol Alguacil’s squad controlled the match for long spells, even as a tense second half tested their composure. Rafa Silva converted early in the second period to narrow the gap, and moments later Benfica fans set off flares that briefly unsettled the home team. Yet the Txuri Urdin showed resilience, sticking to a clear plan and reclaiming control soon after the stoppages.
Watch Real Sociedad vs Benfica from the Champions League 2023-2024 for a full recap of the action.
By increasing possession, maintaining calm, and playing with disciplined spacing, the Basque side gradually eroded the visitors’ options. Remiro and Trubin became busier after the restart, but opportunities to add more goals remained rare. The atmosphere inside the Reale Arena, as always, radiated with European nights that linger in memory.
Progress to the knockout stage:
With Benfica’s loss and Inter’s win over Salzburg, Real Sociedad advanced to the Champions League round of 16.
The video summary of Real Sociedad vs Benfica, Champions League 2023-2024: goals, best plays and controversies
REFORTABLE! Benfica fans create disturbances in the Anoeta stands
Not presentable: Benfica supporters sparked flares at the Real Sociedad Family Stand and at Anoeta photographers. Portuguese players had to intervene to restore order. At moments the match paused amid tension … pic.twitter.com/dIoQXwJDZ9
— GOAL Spain (@GoalEspana) November 8, 2023
49′ GOOOAL FOR RAFA SILVA! Benfica closes the gap after a well-worked move. Otamendi assisted, and the forward finished from close range to keep hope alive.
Party in the Reale Arena. Real Sociedad triumphs 3-0 over Benfica. The Basque side threatened the Lisbonans throughout, with Merino opening the scoring and Oyarzabal’s finish following an error extending the lead. A 2-0 advantage shaped the match’s tone. Despite Benfica’s late push, Real Sociedad maintained control, even though two offside goals inflated the tally, before Barrenetxea sealed it late. Brais Méndez did not convert a late penalty after striking the post. The opening 45 minutes finished with Real Sociedad firmly ahead, a dominant display that could have produced more goals.
29′ Brais Méndez misses from the spot! The Galician chosen his corner but the ball struck the post, denying the fourth goal for the home side.
26′ Penalty for Real Sociedad! Barrenetxea set up Oyarzabal, who converted after drawing Otamendi into a foul.
21′ GOAL! BARRENETXEA strikes again, delivering a stunning shot into the top corner to make it 3-0.
19′ A NEW target shifts: Elustondo’s ball feeds Oyarzabal in a promising position, and the captain converts the chance.
15′ GOAL CANCELLED FOR REAL SOCIEDAD! Merino’s later finish was ruled out due to a handball in the build-up, an accidental touch that still counts against the goal.
11′ GOAL! OYARZABAL doubles the lead after a rapid Sociedad press, capitalizing on Benfica’s mistakes in a one-on-one against Trubin.
6′ MERINO GOAL! A corner creates the initial chance, and the midfielder heads in to put Real Sociedad ahead.
Lineups from the night
XI REAL SOCIEDAD: Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen Muñoz; Brais Méndez, Zubimendi, Mikel Merino; Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal, Kubo
XI BENFICA: Trubin; Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Morato; João Neves, Florentino, João Mário, Aursnes; Rafa Silva, Di María, Cabral
MINUTE BY MINUTE: Real Sociedad vs Benfica video
Source: Goal