Real Sociedad’s European season reaches its first decisive night on Wednesday, when Hearts arrive for the second leg of their second qualifying-round tie with the contest level after a 1-1 draw in Scotland. Kick-off is at 19:00, and only a first win of the campaign will carry the Basque side into the last 16 of Europe’s second-tier continental competition.
| Stage | Fixture | Score or date |
|---|---|---|
| First leg | Hearts v Real Sociedad | 1-1 |
| Second leg | Real Sociedad v Hearts | Wednesday, 19:00 |
| Last-16 draw | European Cup | Friday |
Gorka Álvarez is still seeking the response that can lift a side reshaped by Arturo Ruiz’s unexpected departure. Real Sociedad have drawn three matches and lost five in the opening part of the season, with the draws coming against Costa Adeje Tenerife, Badalona and Hearts, while Chelsea beat them twice and Logroño United, Granada and Real Madrid also took victories.
One goal required to extend the tie
Álvarez believes the first meeting showed his team can trouble the Scottish champions. Real Sociedad found routes both through central areas and down the flanks, creating danger from wide deliveries, but the coach identified the missing element as the final action in the attacking third. His message before the return is uncomplicated: “We have to put the ball in the net.”
The Hearts result, together with the recent Liga F performance against Real Madrid, has nevertheless offered encouragement. Cecilia Marcos, who struck twice in Real Sociedad’s latest match, said the team must build on what has gone well rather than allow the difficult start to define the week.
“What matters will be our football,” Marcos said. “The previous game against Hearts and the match with Real Madrid have given us belief. We need to take the positives and keep moving forward.”
A blue-and-white night needed
Progress to Friday’s round-of-16 draw depends on overcoming Hearts, the reigning Scottish champions, in this return fixture. Marcos also called on the home support to turn the occasion into an advantage, with Hearts expected to bring a coachload of travelling fans.
“Our supporters will be vital,” she said. “They give the team so much, and we hope the stands are blue and white again. We understand they will have a bus of fans here, so we must make ourselves heard too.”
