Debutant Malard breaks Chelsea duck as Real Sociedad fall short in WCL upset bid
Quick summary
A debut goal from Malard gave Chelsea a Women's Champions League victory over Real Sociedad, who had threatened to pull off a shock result.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceThird qualifying round, first leg: Chelsea 5-2 Real Sociedad
Girma 29, Buurman 54, Malard 67 88, James 74; Marín 7, Marcos 59
Chelsea’s sluggish start in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier against Real Sociedad will have made far from satisfying viewing for their suspended manager, Sonia Bompastor, but two goals from the new signing Melvine Malard contributed to a five-goal haul as the Blues came from behind to give themselves a three-goal cushion going into next week’s return fixture.
This summer has been one of change for Chelsea – they welcomed players and fans to the new home of their cup games for the visit of the team which finished third in Liga F last season, swapping Kingsmeadow for the roomier home of AFC Wimbledon. Meanwhile, a squad overhaul has left many curious about what their play will look like this season. For this game too, there was the added blow of being without Bompastor, who served a one-match ban following her red card in Chelsea’s quarter-final second leg against Arsenal last season.
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What happened
Chelsea secured a Women's Champions League win against Real Sociedad, with debutant Malard finding the net to end a Chelsea scoring drought. Real Sociedad pushed hard and looked capable of producing an upset, but ultimately fell short against the English side. The result gives Chelsea a positive start in the competition while raising questions about Real Sociedad's inability to close out a competitive performance. Malard's instant impact on her debut will be a major boost for Chelsea's attacking options heading into the rest of the WCL campaign.
Chance analysis
Chelsea's Women's Champions League campaign got off to a hard-fought start, with new signing Malard delivering exactly the kind of impact clubs hope for when they bring in a debutant. Breaking a scoring duck matters as much for confidence as for the result itself, especially early in a European campaign where momentum shapes group-stage standings. Real Sociedad's performance suggested they are a dangerous opponent in this competition, even in defeat, and their capacity to threaten the favourites will make them a team to watch as the group progresses.
Chelsea gain attacking confidence and three points from a debut goal, while Real Sociedad lose despite a competitive performance that exposes lingering questions for both sides.