In search of European glory. That's how Real Sociedad approaches the second leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League. Despite the 5-2 defeat in the first leg, the San Sebastián side put in a very competitive performance, even taking the lead. Fernando Torres, previously assistant coach, will take charge from the dugout as interim manager following Arturo Ruiz's departure. The coach will be without Alazne Estensoro, who is with the Spain U20 squad preparing for the World Cup, and the injured María Molina, Aiara Agirrezabala, and Sonya Keefe. None of these four players featured in the 0-2 loss to Logroño United in the last league matchday. It's a setback the txuri-urdin outfit will want to put behind them quickly to focus on the European tie. The Basque club is already breaking new ground, making only their second appearance in the Champions League in their history. 

Their opponent in the 2022/2023 season was Bayern Munich, against whom the txuri-urdin eventually fell 4-1 on aggregate in the former second qualifying round. The only survivors from that match are Nerea Eizagirre, the club captain, and Cecilia Marcos. Chelsea, on the other hand, arrives for this fixture with a week's rest and looking to secure their place in the group stage following the result of the first leg. The San Sebastián club is ranked 31st in the FIFA rankings, while the 'Blues' are in 3rd position. Should they qualify, Real Sociedad would reach the group stage for the first time in their history. However, if they fail to overturn the deficit, the San Sebastián side would enter the UEFA Women's Europa Cup, the second-tier European competition, becoming the first Spanish team to do so.

August 31, 2026