Benfica-Real Sociedad is a match valid for the third day of the group stage of the Champions League and is played on Tuesday at 9 p.m.: TV, lineups, predictions.
The first fact that jumps to the eyes by taking a look at the standings of Group D cannot but be the last place of Benfica, the surprise of the last Champions League.
The Portuguese are still pinned at 0 points after the first two days: in the opener they lost resoundingly to Salzburg, which went 2-0 up at the “da Luz” taking advantage of Antonio Silva’s expulsion after 13 minutes of play; three weeks ago, on the other hand, Roger Schmidt’s men failed to withstand Inter’s siege (0-1) despite a Trubin in a state of grace. A poor start, in short, in stark contrast to what have been the last European adventures of the red and whites, who in the past edition came first in a group with Psg and Juventus, subsequently snatching a pass to the quarterfinals for the second year in a row. Today, however, they run the risk of being eliminated as early as the group stage: decisive will be the two challenges with Real Sociedad, at this point the most formidable competitor. Benfica must make the field factor count against the Spaniards in order not to be forced to play it all in San Sebastian.
Benfica already backs to the wall?
The Basques are going beyond expectations: in the first game they came close to a very heavy success against Inter, saved by the usual Lautaro Martinez in the final.
Real Sociedad players
Then they imposed themselves with authority on Salzburg, going on to win 2-0 in a stadium that was certainly not as accommodating as the Austrian one, pierced by goals do Oyarzabal and Mendez. Imanol Alguacil’s team is there and wants to carve out a starring role for itself, on the strength of a proven game. Things are also going well in La Liga, where Real Sociedad immediately lifted its head after losing to Atletico Madrid by settling Mallorca (2-1), three points that for now are worth fifth place. Benfica, on the other hand, in Liga de Portugal continues to do practically nothing wrong, even though it is forced to chase leading Sporting, which has one more point. Schmidt may have to do without Di Maria and Kocku, while Real Sociedad’s absentees are André Silva and Tierney.
The Prediction
Benfica so far in the Champions League has been too bad to be true and knows that against Real Sociedad they can’t slip up anymore. However, the Basques are playing really well and certainly cannot be underestimated.We imagine a very balanced match, which could end in a draw. They are likely to score both.
The probable lineups of Benfica-Real Sociedad
- BENFICA (4-4-2): Trubin; Aursnes, Otamendi, António Silva, Bernat; David Neres, João Neves, Florentino, João Mário; Rafa Silva, Musa.
- REAL SOCIEDAD (4-3-3): Remiro; Traoré, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Aihen Muñoz; Brais Méndez, Zubimendi, Merino; Barrenetxea, Kubo, Oyarzabal.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-1
