Real Sociedad produced one of the greatest free-kick routines ever in their Champions League clash against Benfica – before VAR ruined it.
Imanol Alguacil's La Liga outfit led 3-0 at the break thanks to Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal and Ander Barrenetxea, but it could've been more before VAR ruled out a second for Merino after an inventive free-kick routine.
The Portuguese visitors kept a high-line from a defensive free-kick with the score at 1-0 as two Sociedad players stood over the ball. In a genius way to get their attackers closer to goal without being offside -they did double dummies over the ball.
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A left foot dummy was followed by a right foot before the ball was clipped over the top to midfielder Merino who bundled it home at the second attempt.
However, VAR intervened in the Group D contest and spotted that the ball hit the hand of the 27-year-old after his first attempt was saved.
Although the goal didn't stand, the routine will live long in the memory as a perfect way to beat a high-line from a set-piece – and Prem sides might just try it over the next few weeks.
What's the best free-kick routine you've ever seen? Tell us in the comments section below.
One reply said on social media: "That Sociedad free kick routine will 100% get recycled by other teams playing against a high line."
A second added: "That Real Sociedad free kick routine is the best I’ve seen in years." A third posted: "Real Sociedad might have just pulled off one of the funnest free-kick routines I’ve ever seen."
A fourth agreed: "That Sociedad free kick routine was class." A fifth then concluded: "That Real Sociedad free kick routine was so smart."
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Three points for Sociedad would give them 10 points from four matches with Benfica heading for defeats in each of their opening four games in the group stage.
The Spanish outfit have had a mixed return in the league with five wins and three defeats from 12 matches under Alguacil.
The former Real Sociedad B boss was promoted to the first-team role back in 2018, leading them to a fourth place finish last season.
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