Chelsea vs Sociedad: Champions League Qualifying Showdown

Chelsea Women have been handed a challenging tie against Real Sociedad in the third qualifying round of the Women’s Champions League, with a place in the league phase up for grabs.

The Blues will begin the two-legged contest at home on 26 August, before travelling to Spain for the return fixture on 2 September.

Chelsea finished third in the Women’s Super League last season, meaning they must overcome Sociedad to secure their place in the main league phase. The London club are eight-time WSL champions and will be determined to return to Europe’s top competition after missing out on direct qualification.

Real Sociedad also ended their domestic campaign in third place in Liga F, finishing 21 points behind champions Barcelona.

Chelsea Face European Test

Chelsea were one of the seeded teams in Tuesday’s qualifying draw, which was held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

The English side have plenty of Champions League experience. Chelsea reached the competition’s final in 2021 but were beaten by Barcelona, and they will now be hoping to begin another European campaign with a successful qualifying tie.

The first meeting with Sociedad at home gives Chelsea the opportunity to establish an advantage before the decisive second leg in Spain.

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Other Champions League Qualifying Fixtures

Several other high-profile clubs will also compete in the third qualifying round.

Paris St-Germain have been drawn against Eintracht Frankfurt, while Real Madrid will face Ajax.

Two-time European champions Wolfsburg will meet Inter Milan, and Juventus have been paired with Austrian club St Polten.

The winners of these ties will advance to the Women’s Champions League league phase.

Manchester City and Arsenal Already Through

Chelsea must navigate the qualifying rounds, but two of their domestic rivals have already secured their places in the league phase.

Women’s Super League champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal have qualified automatically, while reigning European champions Barcelona are also already guaranteed a place.

For Chelsea, the focus now turns to Real Sociedad. Two strong performances across the two legs will be required if the Blues are to secure their place among Europe’s leading women’s clubs.