Chelsea secured a 5-2 victory against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier, with new signing Melvine Malard netting two goals on her debut. The Blues came from behind to establish a three-goal advantage ahead of next week's return fixture.
The match, played at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, saw Chelsea make a sluggish start. Real Sociedad opened the scoring through Ainhoa Marín in the seventh minute. Chelsea equalised in the 29th minute with a goal from Naomi Girma.
After the break, Chelsea improved, with Veerle Buurman heading in to give them the lead in the 54th minute. However, Real Sociedad quickly drew level through Cecilia Marcos in the 59th minute. Malard then scored her first goal for Chelsea in the 67th minute, followed by Lauren James in the 74th minute. Malard completed her brace in the 88th minute, securing a comfortable lead for Chelsea.
Chelsea's manager, Sonia Bompastor, was absent due to a one-match ban. The game also marked Chelsea's first cup match at their new home, the home of AFC Wimbledon.