Chelsea captain Naomi Girma scores from a Katie McCabe corner to make it 1-1. PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo
Chelsea 5
Real Sociedad 2
KATIE MCCABE CLAIMED an assist on her debut as Chelsea took big step towards securing their spot in the Women’s Champions League proper on Wednesday, cruising past Real Sociedad 5-2 in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie.
If the Blues can avoid a shock result next Wednesday in the Basque country they will join fellow English sides Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as reigning champions Barcelona in the 18-team league phase.
McCabe’s in-swinging corner was turned home by Naomi Girma to cancel out a shock lead for La Real.
However, with the visitors holding Chelsea to a surprise 2-2 scoreline heading into the final 25 minutes in London, it took new signing Melvine Malard to net a brace either side of a Lauren James goal to put the hosts in control.
Elsewhere, McCabe’s fellow Republic of Ireland international Kyra Carusa was the match-winner for HB Koege away to PSV Einhdoven.
Carusa’s strike on the stroke of half-time ensured the visitors will take a 1-0 advantage back to Denmark ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg.
Wolfsburg have one foot in the league phase after goals from Lara Prasnikar and Camilla Kuever gave them a 2-0 home win over 10-woman Inter Milan.
Real Madrid beat Ajax by the same scoreline in the Netherlands courtesy of strikes from Felicia Schroeder and Janou Levels.
Juventus were 3-0 victors in Austria gainst St. Poelten.
Paris Saint-Germain held four-time champions Eintracht Frankfurt to a 1-1 draw in Germany.
Belgians OH Leuven all but secured their spot with a 4-1 victory at Polish side Czarni Sosnowiec and Sparta Prague’s meeting with Servette also produced five goals, the Czechs taking a 3-2 advantage to Switzerland for next week’s second leg.
On Tuesday, Brann of Norway beat Austria Vienna 2-1 in Bergen.