Champions League cracker: Early onslaught in San Sebastian breaks Benfica's back

Real Soceidad shouldn't have beaten a team like Benfica easily - but they have. The Portuguese side, who looked good and made it to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final last season, could only watch and admire as the Basque scored three goals past them in the opening 20 minutes - and kept grinding until they got a fine 3-1 victory over the Portuguese giants, who are still stuck on zero points after three matchdays.

The match between Real Sociedad and Benfica commenced at the Reale Arena, and the excitement didn't take long to build. Just six minutes into the match, Real Sociedad gained the advantage. A series of precise passes and movements in the penalty area led to Munoz firing a shot from inside the box. Former Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United midfielder Mikel Merino leapt determinedly to head the ball into the net to send the crowd wild.

Captain Mikel Oyarzabal doubled the lead mere five minutes later as his teammates looked in disbelief. Is it really that easy?! The Basque team continued to dominate the initial phases of the game. Ander Barrenetxea produced a moment of brilliance, curling an emphatic, pinpoint shot into the top corner from inside the penalty area. It was a stunning goal.

Sociedad appeared to score a third goal, but VAR stepped in. A superb pass from alleged Barcelona target Brais Mendez found Merino, who converted the chance after the ball inadvertently touched his hand. It remained 2-0, but not for long.

The club from San Sebastian persisted with their pressure, and a penalty was awarded when Oyarzabal was fouled in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, providing Real Sociedad with the opportunity to extend their lead. However, Mendez's penalty struck the post, letting the off-colour Benfica off the hook.

The Portuguese side encountered difficulties finding the rhythm that we enjoyed watching last season. However, despite their early struggles, they narrowed the gap shortly after the break. Rafa Silva halved the deficit and put Roger Schmidt's men back in contention.

The match was marred by disturbances caused by some Benfica fans in the stands, who ignited flares and hurled them onto the playing surface.

As the match progressed into the final stages, Real Sociedad sought to maintain their advantage despite disruptions from Benfica fans. Meanwhile, the Lisbon team remained determined to mount a comeback.

However, Sociedad, backed by a jubilant crowd at their beloved Anoeta, held on easily and claimed three points that set them on the road to the knockouts.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Group stage - matchday 4

Tuesday

Dortmund - Newcastle 2-0 (1-0)

/Fullkrug 26, Brandt 79/

Shakhtar - Barcelona 1-0 (1-0)

/Sikan 40/

Atl. Madrid - Celtic 6-0 (2-0)

/Griezmann 6, 60, Morata 45+2, 76, Lino 66, Saul 85/

Lazio - Feyenoord 1-0 (1-0)

/Immobile 45+1/

Milan - PSG 2-1 (1-1)

/Leao 12, Giroud 51 - Skriniar 9/

Crvena Zvezda - RB Leipzig 1-2 (0-1)

/Kanga 81 - Simons 8, Openda 77/

Man City - Young Boys 3-0 (2-0)

/Haaland 22 pen, 52, Foden 45/

Porto - Antwerp 2-0 (1-0)

/Evanilson 31 pen, Pepe 90+1/

Wednesday

Real Sociedad - Benfica 3-1 (3-0)

/Merino 6, Oyarzabal 11, Barrenetxea 21 - Rafa Silva 49/

Napoli - Union Berlin 1-1 (1-0)

/Politano 39 - Fofana 52/

23:00: (1.25) Bayern (7.00) Galatasaray (12.0)

23:00: (4.50) Copenhagen (3.60) Man.Utd. (1.90)

23:00: (1.35) Arsenal (5.60) Sevilla (9.50)

23:00: (1.80) PSV (3.60) Lens (4.60)

23:00: (1.28) Real Madrid (6.75) Braga (10.5)

23:00: (6.00) Salzburg (4.00) Inter (1.65)

***odds are subject to change***