Hearts v Real Sociedad, Women's Europa Cup last-32 live build-up | OneFootball

Real Sociedad begin the Women's Europa Cup round of 32 away to Scottish champions Hearts in Edinburgh, seeking a result to take back to Zubieta. Both teams are debuting in Europe this season, with the visitors warming up at Ainslie Park in bright conditions.

According to Diario Vasco, Gorka Álvarez's side are still searching for their first win of the season after elimination by Chelsea, and hope to set up the tie before next Wednesday’s return in Zubieta. Kick-off is at 20.00, 19.00 in Scotland.

Hearts, now established among Scotland’s Big5, are used to seeing plenty of the ball domestically given the gap to the rest. They are third after five league games with four wins and a 3-0 defeat by Rangers, while Celtic and Rangers have perfect starts.

In a recent interview, Thomson said that after reviewing the last four or five Real matches he views them as a good side despite their winless run. He also suggested Hearts would have less of the ball than usual.

Hearts’ rise is stark, from a 0-10 loss in 2020 to beating the green side of Glasgow home and away in last season’s champions phase.

This season they entered Champions League qualifying two rounds earlier, beat Gintra 2-1 through Dolan and Jardine, then went out to Koge. Álvarez is without Aiara Agirrezabala and Arola Aparicio, and Alazne Estensoro, who today reached the under-20 World Cup final with Spain.

Source: Diario Vasco

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