Chasing a historic comeback in Europe. This is how Real Sociedad approaches the return leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League. Despite the 5-2 defeat in the first leg, the Donostia-based side put in a very competitive performance, even taking the lead. Gorka Álvarez, who was assistant coach for SD Eibar last season, will be on the bench in place of Arturo Ruiz. The coach will be without Alazne Estensoro, who is focused on preparing for the Mundial Sub20, and injured players María Molina, Aiara Agirrezabala and Sonya Keefe. None of the four players featured in the 0-2 defeat against Logroño United on the last league matchday. A 'slip-up' that the txuri-urdin side wants to forget as soon as possible to focus on the European tie. The Basque team is already breaking new ground, playing in their second Champions League campaign in their history. 

Their opponent in the 2022/2023 season was Bayern de Múnich, against whom the txuri-urdin side eventually fell to a 4-1 aggregate defeat in the former second qualifying round. The only survivors from that match are Nerea Eizagirre, the club captain, and Cecilia Marcos. Meanwhile, Chelsea arrive at the fixture with a week's rest and looking to secure their place in the group stage after the first-leg result. The Donostia club occupies 31st position in the FIFA ranking, while the 'blues' are in 3rd position. Should they achieve European qualification, Real Sociedad would qualify for the league phase for the first time in their history, although, should they not manage the comeback, the Donostia-based side would enter the UEFA Women's Europa Cup, the second-highest European competition, also becoming the first Spanish team to compete in it.

August 31, 2026