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Katie McCabe and Chelsea take big step towards Champions League proper

The 42 · AFP · 2026-08-26T22:18:39+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Chelsea 5 Real Sociedad 2 KATIE MCCABE CLAIMED an assist on her debut as Chelsea took big step towards securing their spot in the Women’s Champions League proper on Wednesday, cruising past Real Sociedad 5-2 in the first leg of their third qualifying round tie. If the Blues can avoid a shock result next Wednesday in the Basque country they will join fellow English sides Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as reigning champions Barcelona in the 18-team league phase. McCabe’s in-swinging corner was turned home by Naomi Girma to cancel out a shock lead for La Real. However, with the visitors holding Chelsea to a surprise 2-2 scoreline heading into the final 25 minutes in London, it took new signing Melvine Malard to net a brace either side of a Lauren James goal to put the hosts in control. Elsewhere, McCabe’s fellow Republic of Ireland international Kyra Carusa was the match-winner for HB Koege away to PSV Einhdoven. Carusa’s strike on the stroke of half-time ensured the visitors will take a 1-0 advantage back to Denmark ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg. Wolfsburg have one foot in the league phase after goals from Lara Prasnikar and Camilla Kuever gave them a 2-0 home win over 10-woman Inter Milan. Real Madrid beat Ajax by the same scoreline in the Netherlands courtesy of strikes from Felicia Schroeder and Janou Levels. Juventus were 3-0 victors in Austria gainst St. Poelten. Paris Saint-Germain held four-time champions Eintracht Frankfurt to a 1-1 draw in Germany. Belgians OH Leuven all but secured their spot with a 4-1 victory at Polish side Czarni Sosnowiec and Sparta Prague’s meeting with Servette also produced five goals, the Czechs taking a 3-2 advantage to Switzerland for next week’s second leg. On Tuesday, Brann of Norway beat Austria Vienna 2-1 in Bergen.