Real Sociedad Women begin Europa Cup dream vs Hearts

Real Sociedad Women kick off their Women’s Europa Cup run with the first leg of the round of 32 against Heart of Midlothian. As Mundo Deportivo reports, the match is set for 20:00 at Ainslie Park Stadium in Edinburgh, marking a return to European competition after the side were eliminated in their UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying run by Chelsea.

Straight knockouts, no margin

The tournament—designed by UEFA to strengthen the competitive map for women’s football—is played through pure two-leg knockout ties from this stage until the final. The return fixture will be decided at Zubieta, according to Mundo Deportivo, while the final is scheduled for May 2027, again on a home-and-away basis.

Coach Gorka Álvarez approaches the tie with both urgency and excitement: the team needs points early in the season because, as the article explains, they have not yet won in Liga F and also suffered a setback in the previous European qualifier. Still, the dressing room is eager to taste continental nights again against a club of real stature. Álvarez’s message was clear: «Against Hearts you need to put your cards on the table, but with your head». Nahia Aparicio added: «You have to keep your feet on the ground».

Injuries shape the trip

The trip is affected by medical absences for Aiara Agirrezabala and María Molina. Even so, the focus is on defensive solidity and collective commitment to turn the tide and stay competitive across the two legs. Mundo Deportivo also states that Sonya Keefe is in the squad.

Bringing back a positive result from Edinburgh would, the report notes, all but set the team on course for the round of 16—and provide a major confidence boost for Álvarez’s project. Real Sociedad know Hearts can be physical and direct, so controlling the ball and staying clinical in key areas is seen as decisive for this first chapter of the tie.