Chelsea Women begin their UEFA Women's Champions League qualification campaign with a first-leg tie against Real Sociedad Femenino on Wednesday, August 26. The match kicks off at 18.45 BST at the club's new home ground, Plough Lane in Wimbledon, as reported by weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com.
This fixture marks a significant moment for Sonia Bompastor's side, who finished third in the FA WSL last season with 49 points from 22 games. Their record of 15 wins, four draws, and three losses left them six points behind champions Manchester City W. The Blues scored 44 goals and conceded 20, securing a +24 goal difference and ending the campaign with a recent form of four wins and a draw.
What is the team news for the qualifier?
Chelsea Women will be without several key players for this crucial European tie. Forward Mayra Ramírez is injured and out of contention, a setback after she featured in preseason following almost an entire season out. Midfielder Erin Cuthbert and new signing Manaka Matsukubo are also ruled out. The injured trio are not expected to be available for the second leg in Spain on September 2 either.
Manager Sonia Bompastor has overseen a squad overhaul during a short preseason that included matches in New Zealand and Australia. High-profile departures include Sam Kerr, Guro Reiten, Niamh Charles, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. In response, the club has brought in forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United, forward Manaka Matsukubo from North Carolina Courage, midfielder Giulia Dragoni from Barcelona, and defender Katie McCabe on a free transfer after her Arsenal contract expired. Dragoni spent the last two seasons on loan at AS Roma.
How can fans watch the match?
The match will not be broadcast on television in the UK or the USA. Instead, Chelsea FC will provide a free live stream on its official digital platforms and mobile app. Italian official Silvia Gasperotti has been appointed as the referee for the encounter. The weather in Wimbledon is forecast to be mixed with some sun and some wind.
This match represents Chelsea Women's first competitive fixture at Plough Lane, with Kingsmeadow now dedicated to the club's youth teams. You can view the full schedule for this new era on our fixtures page and check the latest availability on our injuries list.
Who are Chelsea Women's opponents?
Real Sociedad Femenino qualified for this stage by finishing third in Spain's Liga F last season. Their campaign included a notable 1-0 home victory against the eventual continental champions, Barcelona. Their preseason preparations concluded with a 1-1 draw against Eibar, which they won 4-1 on penalties, and another 1-1 draw with Logroño.
The second leg of this qualifier is scheduled for September 2 in San Sebastián. A positive result at home is important for Chelsea Women as they aim to build momentum ahead of the new domestic season and secure a place in the Champions League group stage. The club's activity in the transfer market and current squad composition can be followed on our dedicated squad page.
