Real Sociedad face daunting Chelsea task after 5-2 as Zubieta hosts first European night | OneFootball

Real Sociedad face a towering task, trailing 5-2 to Chelsea before Tuesday’s Women’s Champions League return at Zubieta, 19:00, a tie further complicated by head coach Arturo Ruiz departing for Brighton between legs.

According to Diario Vasco, Chelsea were the toughest of four possible opponents and showed it in London, accelerating in the final half hour as talent such as Malard arrived from the bench.

The form book points to Chelsea progressing. Across the past four years they have lost by more than three goals only once, and by three once more, in elite competition, though Manchester City did win 5-1 on 1 February.

Even so, precedent offers a sliver of hope. Last season Real won 5-1 at Alhama, a score that would suffice, while results like 3-0 over Granada would at least force extra time.

Zubieta will host its first European fixture. There were 1,073 season-ticket reservations, with more on general sale, and while it is unlikely to be full the atmosphere is expected to be intense as the anthem sounds.

Players learned of Ruiz’s exit only after the first leg. Interim coach Fernando Torres is intent on competing and believes his side can trouble Chelsea, while Irene Ferreras is a candidate to replace him.

On the pitch, Cecilia and Marín impressed and both scored in London, and Ainhoa’s superb strike put Real ahead at the Cherry Red Records Stadium before the game reached 2-2 then finished 5-2. If the comeback falls short, the Europa Cup draw is on Friday 4, with BK Häcken the current holders and four ties between Real and a final.

Source: Diario Vasco

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