Chelsea to face Real Sociedad in Women Champions League qualifying | OneFootball

Chelsea will face Real Sociedad in the Women Champions League qualifying play-off, with the first leg in London on 26 August and the return on 2 September at the 'z7' in Zubieta.

According to Diario Vasco, Arturo Ruiz's side finished third in last season's Liga F and now meet a European heavyweight who also placed third in the last Premier League behind Manchester City and Arsenal.

Sonia Bompastor's squad features Lauren James, plus Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh. Colombian striker Mayra Ramírez, 27, remains after a 2024 move from Levante for 450,000 euros plus 50,000 in add-ons.

Chelsea were Champions League runners-up in 2021 and four-time semi-finalists, and have won eight Premier League titles and six FA Cups. They remain a leading force despite a period of transition.

Chelsea start as favourites, yet Real will back themselves after being the only side to beat Barcelona, the Champions League holders, in last season's Liga F. They must handle Chelsea's physicality, quick circulation, rapid transitions and deeper bench.

Between the legs, Real host Logroño United at Zubieta on Saturday 29 in their Liga F 2026/27 opener. The 26 August tie, kick-off to be confirmed, coincides with the men's visit to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu at 21:00.

This is not a do-or-die tie as four years ago against Bayern Munich, champions of the last Bundesliga. If Real lose they drop into the Europa Cup, and if they progress they enter a six-match group stage from September to December 2026.

Source: Diario Vasco

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”