Benfica are still seeking their first win in Group D of the UEFA Champions League as they welcome Real Sociedad to the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday. Sociedad are looking sharp in recent times and can make things difficult for the Portuguese giants.
Benfica suffered a 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan in their previous Champions League fixture. They were second best in the encounter, especially after the break and have goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to thank for keeping the damage minimal.
That was the second straight defeat in Group D for Benfica, who were beaten 2-0 at home in their opening fixture. The Portuguese giants have found things difficult in the Champions League in recent times and are winless in their last four matches in the competition while also losing their last two fixtures at home.
Benfica will head into Tuesday’s clash hoping to build on their domestic form which is in stark contrast to their struggles in Europe. Roger Schmidt’s men have won their last seven Primeira Liga matches and picked up a 4-1 victory at Lusitania in a domestic fixture last weekend.
While Benfica are struggling to find their feet in Europe, Real Sociedad are enjoying a solid start to their Champions League campaign. They began with a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan before picking up a 2-0 victory at RB Salzburg in their previous fixture.
It has been an all round solid start to the season for Real Sociedad, who are currently fifth in La Liga. They have won five of their last six matches across all competitions, including a 1-0 over Mallorca in a domestic fixture last weekend.
A slight problem for Real Sociedad is that they have been a bit inconsistent on their recent travels. Imanol Alguacil’s men have claimed two wins and suffered two defeats in their last four away matches across all competitions.
How’re bookies view it
Despite their poor start in Group D, Benfica still have the upper hand among the bookies with a home win priced at 23/20 with bet365. A victory for Real Sociedad is valued at 5/2 with 888Sport while a draw is set at odds of 13/5 with William Hill.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Benfica and Real Sociedad.
Players to watch
Benfica have spread their goals across the team this but Rafa Silva is often involved in most of their attacking play and could be with keeping an eye on. The forward was on target in last weekend’s win and is priced at 12/5 by bet365 to find the net on Tuesday.
Mikel Oyarzabal remains as important as ever for Real Sociedad and was on target in the win over Salzburg. The attacker is priced at 3/1 by bet365 to get on the score sheet on Tuesday.
Anything else catch the eye?
Benfica and Real Sociedad seem to know their way to goal and both teams could be backed to score at 17/20 with William Hill. The Portuguese giants have even level at the break in their last four matches across all competitions and could be set for another halftime draw at 6/5 with 888Sport.
Real Sociedad have opened the scoring in their two Champions League matches and could be backed to grab the first goal on Tuesday at 7/5 with Coral.
This UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Real Sociedad will be played on Oct 24, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Benfica vs Real Sociedad prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
