Chelsea Draw Real Sociedad in Women's Champions League Qualifying

Chelsea have been drawn against Spanish side Real Sociedad in the third qualifying round of the Women's Champions League. The draw, held on Tuesday at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, pitted the Blues against the Basque club in a two-legged tie that will determine a spot in the competition's league phase.

Fixture Details

The first leg will take place at Chelsea's home ground on 26 August, with the return fixture scheduled in Spain a week later on 2 September. Chelsea, who finished third in the Women's Super League last season, must overcome Sociedad to secure their place in the group stage.

Opponent Profile

Real Sociedad ended their Liga F campaign in third place, 21 points behind champions Barcelona. The Spanish side will be looking to upset the eight-time WSL champions, who have a strong European pedigree.

Context and Other Ties

Chelsea were beaten finalists in the 2021 Champions League, losing to Barcelona. They were seeded for the draw, reflecting their status among Europe's elite. In other third-round ties, Paris St-Germain will face Eintracht Frankfurt, Real Madrid take on Ajax, two-time winners Wolfsburg meet Inter Milan, and Juventus have been drawn against Austrian side St Polten.

WSL champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal have already qualified for the league phase, along with defending champions Barcelona. The remaining spots will be decided through the qualifying rounds.