Chelsea's Qualifying Round Opponents
Chelsea will be the favourites against Real Sociedad, who finished third in Spain's top division last term. The Spanish side will be looking to cause an upset against the English champions, who have a strong record in European competition. Chelsea have reached the semi-finals in three of the past four campaigns, but lost to their rivals Arsenal in a dramatic quarter-final last term.
Financial Implications of Missing Out
The potential financial implications of missing out on qualification are significant. All 18 clubs that take part in the league phase will receive a guaranteed minimum of €505,000, plus a further €60,000 for every league phase fixture they win and €20,000 for every draw. Additionally, the eventual champions would receive €1,050,000 in prize money across the course of the knockout phase.
Chelsea's Pre-Season Form
Chelsea have been strong contenders for the European title in recent years, and their pre-season form suggests that they are ready to make a push for the title. The team has been training hard and has been playing some impressive matches in their pre-season games. However, they will need to be at their best if they are to overcome Real Sociedad in the qualifying round.
Real Sociedad's Qualifying Round Opponents
Real Sociedad will be facing a tough opponent in Chelsea, but they have been performing well in their pre-season games. The Spanish side has been training hard and has been looking to cause an upset against the English champions. Real Sociedad will be looking to use their home advantage to their benefit in the second leg of the match.
Chelsea's Schedule
Chelsea will be at home for the first leg of the match, which is scheduled to be played on 26 August. The second leg will be played in Spain on 2 September, three days before Chelsea's Women's Super League season opener against Aston Villa on 5 September.
Chelsea's Qualifying Round Draw
Chelsea could have faced Ajax, Inter, Eintracht Frankfurt, or the Austrian side St Polten in the qualifying round. However, they were unable to meet the big-name sides such as Real Madrid, Wolfsburg, Juventus, or Paris Saint-Germain at this stage because of seedings. Sonia Bompastor's side will hope to join Arsenal and Manchester City in the main phase of the competition.
Chelsea's Preparations
Chelsea will be preparing for the match against Real Sociedad by training hard and studying their opponents. The team will be looking to use their home advantage to their benefit in the first leg of the match, and will be hoping to cause an upset against the Spanish side in the second leg.
Real Sociedad's Preparations
Real Sociedad will be preparing for the match against Chelsea by training hard and studying their opponents. The team will be looking to use their home advantage to their benefit in the second leg of the match, and will be hoping to cause an upset against the English champions.
Conclusion
Chelsea will be facing a tough opponent in Real Sociedad in the Women's Champions League qualifying round. However, the English champions have a strong record in European competition and will be looking to use their home advantage to their benefit in the first leg of the match. The team will be hoping to cause an upset against the Spanish side in the second leg, and will be looking to join Arsenal and Manchester City in the main phase of the competition.