Malard, James send Chelsea to brink of Women's Champions League
PARIS: Chelsea took a big step towards securing their spot in the Women’s Champions League proper on Wednesday as they cruised past Real Sociedad 5-2 in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie.
Chelsea secured their place in the Women's Champions League with a dominant 5-2 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie, as reported by AFP. If Chelsea can avoid a shock result in the return leg next Wednesday in the Basque country, they will join Arsenal, Manchester City, and reigning champions Barcelona in the 18-team league phase.
Real Sociedad held Chelsea to a surprising 2-2 scoreline heading into the final 25 minutes in London. However, new signing Melvine Malard scored a brace for Chelsea, along with Lauren James, to put the hosts in control during the match. Wolfsburg have clinched their spot in the 18-team league phase after a 2-0 home win over Inter Milan, with goals from Lara Prasnikar and Camilla Kuever.
Real Madrid defeated Ajax with a 3-0 scoreline in the Netherlands, thanks to strikes from Felicia Schroeder and Janou Levels. Juventus dominated Austria St. Poelten with a 3-0 win, while Paris Saint-Germain held Ajax to a 1-1 draw in Germany. HB Koge of Denmark earned a 1-0 advantage against PSV Eindhoven in their tie. Belgians OH Leuven secured their place with a 4-1 victory over Polish side Czarni Sosnowiec, while Sparta Prague's meeting with Servette produced five goals, giving the Czechs a 3-2 advantage to Switzerland for next week's second leg. On Tuesday, Brann of Norway also secured their spot with a 2-1 win over Austria Vienna in Bergen.
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