{
  "id": 3663074,
  "title": "Malard, James send Chelsea to brink of Women's Champions League",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/malard-james-send-chelsea-to-brink-of-womens-champions-league",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T03:57:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/08/1519736/malard-james-send-chelsea-brink-womens-champions-league"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Champions League draw: Teams that Arsenal could face in league phase",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/champions-league-draw-teams-that-arsenal-could-face-in-league-phase",
        "published": "2026-08-27T05:10:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}