Chelsea Women have secured their place in the Women’s Champions League league phase after completing a 6-2 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad.
Keira Walsh scored the only goal of the second leg as Sonia Bompastor‘s side won 1-0 in Spain, adding to the 5-2 advantage Chelsea established in an entertaining first leg.
It means Chelsea’s pursuit of a first Women’s Champions League trophy continues into the league phase.
Keira Walsh sends Chelsea through
Chelsea travelled to San Sebastian knowing they did not need to chase the game after building a three-goal advantage in London.
The first half reflected that position.
Bompastor’s side controlled long spells without taking unnecessary risks, while Real Sociedad struggled to create the early chaos which had caused Chelsea problems during the opening leg.
The breakthrough arrived after the interval.
Walsh found space outside the penalty area following a Chelsea set-piece and sent an effort towards goal which beat Real Sociedad goalkeeper Julia Arrula.
It put Chelsea 1-0 ahead on the night and 6-2 up on aggregate, effectively ending any remaining hope of a remarkable Sociedad comeback.
The Blues were then able to manage the remainder of the contest and secure a clean sheet.
Chelsea complete the job after first-leg drama
It was a very different contest from the first meeting.
Real Sociedad twice threatened to derail Chelsea at Plough Lane, initially taking the lead before later responding to make the score 2-2.
Chelsea eventually pulled clear through Naomi Girma, Veerle Buurman, Lauren James and a Melvine Malard brace.
Malard’s two goals on her competitive Chelsea debut helped establish the decisive three-goal cushion.
There was far less drama required in Spain.
Chelsea protected their advantage, kept Sociedad scoreless and Walsh’s second-half goal ensured Bompastor’s side won both legs of the tie.
Bompastor was also able to manage minutes with the Women’s Super League season approaching.
Chelsea book Women’s Champions League league-phase place
Progression means Chelsea will now take their place among the teams competing in the 2026/27 Women’s Champions League league phase.
Chelsea had confirmed before the second leg that an aggregate victory would secure qualification, with the league-phase draw taking place in Nyon on 4 September.
The first league-phase matches are scheduled for 22 and 23 September.
Chelsea’s attention now quickly turns back to domestic football.
Bompastor’s side begin their Women’s Super League campaign against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
They will do so with their European place safely secured.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Chelsea Women
Chelsea win 6-2 on aggregate.
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