In a high-stakes European clash at Anoeta, Real Sociedad delivered a commanding display to beat Benfica by three goals inside the opening 21 minutes. The Spaniards set the tempo early, quieting the traveling supporters and signaling their intention to control the tie from the start. Benfica found a response after halftime, but the damage had already been done as Real Sociedad, guided by Imanol Alguacil, controlled the atmosphere, pace, and rhythm of the match from the opening whistle.
The night around Anoeta began with a tense atmosphere as rival supporters clashed briefly, a reminder that big nights in European competition can carry edge beyond the football. Regional security forces moved swiftly, underscoring how seriously authorities treat major games and the potential for unrest off the pitch.
The match ignited with real intensity for the home side. A Benfica clearance fell to Aihen Muñoz near the edge of the area, and his precise header found Mikel Merino in space. Merino timed his run perfectly and steered the ball beyond goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who read the attempt well but could not keep it out. The opener underscored Real Sociedad’s aggressive approach and high-energy pressing from the very first minutes.
Real Sociedad pressed on after taking the lead, squeezing Benfica into their own half through relentless midfield pressure. The home side quickly forced errors in passing lanes, creating a flurry of chances. A defensive miscue by Florentino off a back pass gave Mikel Oyarzabal an opportunity, and he finished decisively to extend the advantage. Trubin stood no chance as the ball slipped into the net, cementing a 2-0 cushion for the hosts.
Even with the growing lead, Alguacil’s players kept pressing. Control of the midfield tempo limited Benfica’s space, and Merino’s persistence met a late challenge that resulted in a handball call. An offside flag interrupted another promising Real Sociedad move, but the early dominance lingered, keeping Benfica comfortably on the back foot and hinting at the potential for a remarkable night for the home side.
Ander Barrenetxea opened proceedings with a blazing run and a precise strike into the upper corner after a clean dribble past Joao Neves. The moment showcased the winger’s confidence and ability to slice through the Benfica defense with speed and skill, lifting the crowd and signaling that Real Sociedad would impose their authority on the game.
The tempo around halftime intensified. A slick give-and-go culminated in another dangerous moment as Barrenetxea delivered a deft pass to Oyarzabal in the box. A controversial moment arose when the English referee awarded a penalty to Real after a perceived foul, but the captain stepped aside to share the responsibility with his teammate. The ensuing spot-kick was not converted by Brais, leaving the scoreline unchanged at the intermission. The gesture drew praise from some for sportsmanship, adding a humane layer to a match defined by discipline and precision.
Benfica’s response on the eve of the break came through Ángel Di María, who sparked a fast counter with a well-timed through ball that Aritz Elustondo cleared at a decisive moment, preserving the two-goal gap and keeping Real Sociedad on course for the second period. The moment highlighted how small margins shape outcomes in a tie where every possession counts.
After the break, Benfica returned with renewed energy, eager to show resilience and pride. The first goal of the second half arrived via a well-executed assist from Remiro’s opposite number and a calm finish from Rafa Silva, briefly rekindling Benfica’s hopes. The goal ignited a new wave of intensity from the Portuguese side as they chased a comeback and tried to keep the tie alive well into the night.
As the match wore on, tension spilled into the stands with flares lighting up the night sky. Three flares dropped into the lower sections of the home crowd, creating a volatile scene. There were no injuries reported among Real Sociedad supporters, and security staff managed the scene with caution. The terraces’ drama mirrored the on-field theatrics, though the focus remained on the football itself for most attendees.
Throughout the remainder, Benfica failed to recapture their early momentum. Roger Schmidt’s side could not convert chances into sustained pressure, and Real Sociedad maintained composure, organization, and a relentless press that limited Benfica’s creativity. As the final whistle blew, Benfica found themselves eliminated from last-16 contention, while Real Sociedad stood strong with two group fixtures remaining. The result underscored the host team’s tactical discipline, physical intensity, and knack for capitalizing on key moments. For North American followers of European football, the performance provided a vivid example of how Spanish clubs combine high-pressing intensity with structured defending to defeat top European opponents.