Real Sociedad ease past Benfica to edge closer to Last 16

Real Sociedad moved closer to securing a spot in the next round of the Champions League with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Benfica in San Sebastian on Wednesday.

It was a dream start for the hosts as Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Ander Barrenetxea all found the back of the net within the first 21 minutes of the match.

At the sixth minute, after a scramble in the box, Aihen Muñoz had a poor finish but managed to provide a perfect assist for Merino to make it 1-0.

Just four minutes later, Florentino Luís played a risky pass to Otamendi, who reacted slowly, allowing Oyarzabal to capitalize. Real Sociedad's captain entered the box and made it 2-0.

In the 20th minute, with the team having already seen two goals disallowed (Merino and Oyarzabal), the third goal came when Barrenetxea received the ball from the left, cut inside, and struck it across the goal.

With half an hour played, Brais Méndez had a chance to extend the lead from the penalty spot but hit his effort against the post.

In the second half, Benfica stabilized and managed to pull one back through Rafa Silva, scoring Benfica's first goal in the competition after three prior defeats in the group.

After that, the Eagles posed little danger, and the Spanish team managed to control the rest of the game, sealing a crucial victory.

This win marked Real Sociedad's third consecutive victory in the Champions League, placing them provisionally at the top of Group D with 10 points and only two matches remaining.

Inter Milan currently holds second place with seven points, maintaining a four-point lead over RB Salzburg in third. If Inter Milan beats the Austrian team later on Wednesday, both Real Sociedad and Inter will secure their spots in the round of 16.