Football: Kubo man of the match as Sociedad win in Champions League

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Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo was named man of the match as Real Sociedad saw off Benfica 1-0 away from home on Tuesday to go top of Group D in the Champions League after three games.

Kubo was a constant menace playing on the right wing for the Spanish side, who edged their Portuguese counterparts thanks to Brais Mendez’s close-range effort in the 63rd minute following an assist from the left by Ander Barrenetxea.

Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo dribbles the ball during a UEFA Champions League group-stage football match against Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal, on Oct. 24, 2023. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Having seen his goal-bound effort denied by the arm of Benfica defender Antonio Silva in the first half with no penalty given, Kubo rattled the bar in the 67th minute after cutting in and sending a left-curler from inside the box at Estadio do SL Benfica.

“I think we were the better side in everything tonight”, Kubo said on UEFA.com. “We can’t be too comfortable yet but if we play as we did tonight at home against the same opponent, then I think we will qualify.”

Sociedad are level on seven points with Inter Milan but lead the Italian finalists from last season on goal difference.

“I came to this competition with the belief that we can compete with anyone,” said the 22-year-old Kubo, who came off in the 76th minute. “We were very daring, very brave and a united group. These are the keys for our success.”

In Group B, Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu played the full 90 minutes at left back as Arsenal held off Sevilla 2-1 also away to sit top of Group B on six points.

Gabriel Jesus set up Gabriel Martinelli’s opener in the first-half stoppage time before curling home to double the lead in the 53rd minute. Nemanja Gudelj headed in a corner five minutes later for the home side.

Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo (R) controls the ball during a UEFA Champions League group-stage football match against Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal, on Oct. 24, 2023. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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