Chelsea thrash Real Sociedad 5-2 in Women's Champions League qualifier, Malard scores twice

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Third qualifying round, first leg: Chelsea 5-2 Real Sociedad

Girma 29, Buurman 54, Malard 67 88, James 74; Marín 7, Marcos 59

Chelsea’s sluggish start in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier against Real Sociedad will have made far from satisfying viewing for their suspended manager, Sonia Bompastor, but two goals from the new signing Melvine Malard contributed to a five-goal haul as the Blues came from behind to give themselves a three-goal cushion going into next week’s return fixture.

This summer has been one of change for Chelsea – they welcomed players and fans to the new home of their cup games for the visit of the team which finished third in Liga F last season, swapping Kingsmeadow for the roomier home of AFC Wimbledon. Meanwhile, a squad overhaul has left many curious about what their play will look like this season. For this game too, there was the added blow of being without Bompastor, who served a one-match ban following her red card in Chelsea’s quarter-final second leg against Arsenal last season.

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