Real Sociedad vs Benfica
UEFA Champions League
Wednesday
8th November 2023
Reale Seguros Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Champions League matchday 4 fixture between Real Sociedad and Benfica.
Real Sociedad vs Benfica: Preview
Real Sociedad form analysis
Sociedad’s recent run of games has shown they can score goals consistently but their defending remains a worry, keeping just 1 clean sheet. They started with a narrow 1-0 home win over Mallorca thanks to Méndez’s strike in a battling performance. Building on this, Sociedad secured an impressive 1-0 away win at Benfica in the Champions League courtesy of another Méndez goal against the run of play.
However, defensive issues surfaced in a six goal thriller in their next game – a 2-2 away draw at Rayo Vallecano, twice leading through Oyarzabal but conceding avoidable equalizers. Back in form in the cup, Sociedad won 1-0 away at Buñol thanks to Carlos Fernández’s strike in an assured display. But familiar problems remained in their latest game – a disappointing 0-1 home loss to Barcelona, caught out by Araujo’s last gasp winner. Overall, Sociedad have impressive attacking talents like Oyarzabal, Silva and Kubo but must tighten up defensively to maintain their push for a knockout spot this season.
Benfica form analysis
Benfica’s recent run of games has showcased an entertaining attack capable of scoring goals but also some defensive vulnerabilities. They started with an emphatic 4-1 away cup win at Lusitânia thanks to goals from Mario, Rafa, Cabral and Gouveia. However, problems surfaced at the back in a disappointing 0-1 home loss to Real Sociedad in the Champions League, caught out by a clinical Mendez strike. This continued in the next game as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Casa Pia. Equalizing late through Larrazabal after Mario had put them ahead.
Back on track in the cup, Benfica won 0-2 away at Arouca courtesy of goals from Di Maria and Cabral. Most recently they returned to winning ways in the league, beating Chaves 0-2 away with strikes from Aursnes and Mario. Overall, Benfica boast real attacking threat with Rafa, Ramos and Silva impressing but their defensive inconsistencies have often undermined them. Finding greater solidity at the back will be key to sustaining their run.
