Melvine Malard scored twice on her competitive Chelsea debut as the Blues beat Real Sociedad 5-2 to take command of their Women’s Champions League qualifying tie.
Chelsea twice had to respond after being tested by the Spanish side at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, but four second-half goals eventually gave them a substantial advantage ahead of next week’s return leg in San Sebastian.
Naomi Girma and Veerle Buurman also scored before Lauren James struck Chelsea’s fourth, with substitute Malard completing an unforgettable first competitive appearance in Blue.
A STRONG START TO OUR 26/27 SEASON. 👏🔵#UWCL pic.twitter.com/y8p55HlAeN
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) August 26, 2026
Chelsea recover after early Real Sociedad shock
Camille Abily took charge in Sonia Bompastor’s absence through suspension and watched Chelsea dominate possession from the opening stages.
Yet Real Sociedad struck first after only seven minutes.
Ainhoa Marin produced an outstanding looping effort from the corner of the penalty area which sailed beyond Hannah Hampton and into the far corner.
Chelsea responded well.
Sandy Baltimore hit the underside of the crossbar before Girma eventually restored parity on 29 minutes.
Katie McCabe, who was handed her first competitive Chelsea start against Real Sociedad, delivered an inswinging corner and captain Girma guided her header beyond the goalkeeper.
The teams remained level at half-time despite Chelsea controlling large periods.
Malard scores twice on Chelsea debut
Chelsea increased the pressure immediately after the restart.
Sjoeke Nusken had an effort ruled out for offside before Buurman powered home a header from James’ corner to make it 2-1.
That advantage lasted only four minutes.
Cecilia Marcos found the net from inside the penalty area to bring Sociedad level again and leave Chelsea facing another test.
The response was emphatic.
Nusken split the defence with an excellent pass for Malard, who rounded the goalkeeper and scored her first Chelsea goal after coming from the bench.
James then gave Chelsea breathing room.
Ellie Carpenter surged down the right and picked out the forward inside the penalty area, with James producing an emphatic finish to make it 4-2.
Carpenter repeated the trick late on, once again creating space on the flank before crossing for Malard to score her second.
The France international had entered the game after 55 minutes and finished it with a debut brace.
Chelsea take three-goal lead to Spain
A 5-2 victory leaves Chelsea in a commanding position before the second leg on 2 September.
It was particularly impressive given that Chelsea entered the fixture without several senior players.
ReadChelsea reported before kick-off that Erin Cuthbert, Mayra Ramirez and Manaka Matsukubo were all unavailable, while Bompastor was unable to take her place on the touchline.
Chelsea nevertheless found five goals against a disciplined Sociedad side.
Supporters who missed the first leg can also find the Chelsea Women vs Real Sociedad broadcast information on ReadChelsea, with highlights expected to follow through Chelsea’s official channels.
Malard’s contribution provides the standout story.
Chelsea already had one foot in the Champions League league phase by full-time, and their new No.9 could hardly have made a stronger first impression.
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Chelsea Women XI vs Real Sociedad: McCabe starts as Girma captains
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