Real Sociedad have been denied the greatest free-kick routine goal ever

Real Sociedad have just been denied the greatest free-kick routine in history, with VAR intervening.

The Basque outfit are flying in the Champions League this season and found themselves 3-0 up against Benfica in the Group D clash at the Anoeta.

Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal and Ander Barrenetxea all scored in a crazy 15 minute period where Imanol Alguacil's ran riot.

But La Real were also denied one of the most creative goals in recent memory.

Merino had the ball in the net for a second time but it was all about the build-up from a free-kick on the right-hand side.

Two player stood over the ball; a left-footer and a right-footer - but both confused the Benfica backline by each producing two dummies apiece. It was straight from the training ground.

Benfica's defence were constantly shuffling forwards and backwards and trying to play offside but the routine caught them out as Merino broke free.

His effort was saved but he managed to bundle the ball over the line.

However the goal was chalked off as the ball had struck the hand of goalscorer Merino.

It was 3-0 shortly after when Barrenetxea bagged a glorious solo goal and then they missed a penalty when presented with the chance to make it 4-0.

Fans were in awe of the genius served up by the La Liga outfit.

One wrote: "That free kick routine from Real Sociedad though was cleaannnnn."

A second said: "That Real Sociedad free kick routine was so smart."

A third added: "That Real Sociedad free kick routine is the best I’ve seen in years."

Another user reacted: "Real Sociedad might have just pulled off one of the funnest free-kick routines I’ve ever seen."

A fifth wrote: "Real Sociedad are really working this! Free kick routine."

Sociedad are enjoying a fine European campaign and are yet to taste defeat in the group stages.