Real Sociedad begin their Europa Cup campaign

Real Sociedad’s women’s team will begin their continental campaign tomorrow evening at 8 p.m. at Ainslie Park Stadium, in the first leg of the round of 32 against Heart of Midlothian. The Basque side open a new Europa Cup campaign.

After being eliminated by Chelsea in the Champions League qualifying round, Real return to the international stage in this recently created competition, launched by UEFA to strengthen the competitive landscape and visibility of women’s football in Europe.

The Europa Cup is played entirely over two-legged ties, from its opening round through to the final. The final is scheduled for May 2027 and will also be played over two legs, at the stadiums of the two teams that reach the final stage. With no group stage and no room for error, every tie is played across 180 minutes, with the advantage linked to home ground, testing consistency as well as tactical management.

The match will not be televised. The qualification will then be decided at Zubieta in front of the txuri urdin supporters.

Gorka Álvarez’s team approach the match in a mixed context. They are still seeking their first Liga F win this season and come off elimination in the European qualifying round, but the squad are also eager to return to continental competition and face an opponent of quality.

The medical absences of Aiara Agirrezabala and María Molina affect the travelling squad. Real nevertheless intend to rely on their defensive solidity and collective commitment to reverse their momentum.

Sonya Keefe is included in the squad. A favourable result would bring Real closer to the round of 16 and provide an important morale boost for Gorka Álvarez’s project. Against a Hearts side described as physical and direct, the Basque team believe control of possession and composure in both penalty areas will be decisive in this first European battle.