In a commanding display, Chelsea secured a 5-2 triumph over Real Sociedad in the opening leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League third‑qualifying round, putting the English side on the brink of advancing to the competition’s group phase. The match, which took place at Chelsea’s home ground, featured a standout debut for French forward Melvine Malard, who netted a brace and helped the Blues recover from an early deficit to dominate the proceedings. The visitors drew first blood in the seventh minute when Ainhoa Marin unleashed a spectacular long‑range effort that swerved past Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, giving Real Sociedad an early lead.
The goal showcased Marin’s technical ability and set the tone for a competitive first half. However, Chelsea responded quickly. A corner taken by Katie McCabe found the head of Naomi Girma, whose shot was initially credited to Girma after a brief review confirmed that she had redirected the ball with a slight touch.
This equaliser restored parity at 1‑1 and signalled Chelsea’s intent to fight back. The remainder of the first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the back of the net.
The deadlock was finally broken just before halftime when Veerle Buurman, the Dutch midfielder for Real Sociedad, struck a well‑timed finish to put the visitors ahead 2‑1. The goal came from a swift counter‑attack that caught the Chelsea defence out of shape, highlighting the importance of concentration in high‑stakes matches. Chelsea, however, were not to be discouraged.
In the 29th minute, a corner delivered by McCabe was met by Girma, who managed to glance the ball into the net. Although it initially appeared that McCabe might have scored directly from the set‑piece, the officials awarded the goal to Girma after determining that she had earned a slight deflection.
This decision leveled the score at 2‑2, setting the stage for a dramatic second half. The second half erupted with an intensity that eclipsed the first. Within the opening minutes after the restart, Real Sociedad’s forward Cecilia Marcos found the net, equalising once more to make it 2‑2. Her goal arrived just four minutes after Buurman's strike, illustrating the rapid back‑and‑forth nature of the contest.
Yet Chelsea’s response was swift and decisive. In the 67th minute, Melvine Malard, who had transferred from Manchester United in July, showcased her composure and finishing ability by rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball home, giving the Blues a 3‑2 lead. Malard’s goal was a testament to her seamless integration into the Chelsea attack and her knack for finding space in the box.
Just seven minutes later, Lauren James extended Chelsea’s advantage. James, known for her pace and clinical finishing, received a well‑timed corner from Buurman and directed the ball past the Real Sociedad keeper, making it 4‑2.
Her goal not only increased the lead but also underscored Chelsea’s dominance in aerial duels and set‑piece execution. The momentum continued to swing in Chelsea’s favour as the clock ticked down. In the 88th minute, Malard added a second goal of the night, sealing the 5‑2 victory. The French forward capitalised on a precise cross from Ellie Carpenter, demonstrating the team's fluid attacking play and the effective link‑up between midfield and forward lines.
Her second strike came just two minutes before full‑time, cementing the result and providing Chelsea with a comfortable aggregate lead heading into the return leg in Spain. The match was overseen by assistant coach Camille Abily, who stepped in to manage the side due to the suspension of head coach Sonia Bompastor, a disciplinary action stemming from an incident last season.
Despite Bompastor’s absence, the team displayed tactical discipline and adaptability, adhering to a high‑pressing game plan that overwhelmed Real Sociedad in the latter stages of the match. Key moments also included a near‑miss from Sandy Baltimore, who struck the underside of the crossbar with a powerful effort that would have narrowed the margin further had it found the net.
Additionally, Real Sociedad’s early lead was threatened by a potential equaliser from Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, whose shot hit the far post after Marcos’s equaliser, illustrating the fine margins that defined the contest. Overall, Chelsea’s comprehensive win not only highlights the depth of their squad but also the impact of new signings like Malard, who have quickly become integral to the team’s attacking options.
The result positions the Blues favorably for the second leg, where they will travel to Spain with a solid aggregate advantage. Should they maintain this level of performance, Chelsea appear poised to secure a place in the Women’s Champions League group stage, continuing their pursuit of European glory. The match also served as a reminder of the growing competitiveness of women’s football, with both clubs showcasing high‑quality play, tactical nuance, and individual brilliance.
Fans can look forward to an exciting second leg as Chelsea aim to consolidate their lead, while Real Sociedad will seek to overturn the deficit and keep their European aspirations alive. For more updates on Women’s Super League news, transfers, highlights, and live streaming options, stay tuned to official channels and the Sky Sports app.