Real Sociedad will take a goalless draw back to San Sebastián after controlling their Women’s Europa Cup tie with Hearts in Edinburgh but failing to find the finish their dominance deserved.
Real Sociedad leave Edinburgh with the tie still open
- Gorka Álvarez’s side began as the stronger team and quickly established control, with Cecilia firing narrowly wide after attacking down the right.
- Ainhoa then sent a tame effort towards goal, comfortably dealt with by Hearts goalkeeper Johnstone.
- The clearest first-half opening came after the half-hour mark, when Seelenfreund was through one-on-one but could not beat Johnstone.
- Before the interval, Ainhoa headed over and onto the roof of the net as Real Sociedad continued to press for a breakthrough.
- The pattern remained unchanged after the restart. The visitors kept possession and territory, while Ainhoa came close again when her shot struck the woodwork.
- Álvarez looked to refresh his attacking options, introducing Isasisasmendi, Chacón and Camino before later sending on Paula Fernández and Eizagirre.
- The decisive chance arrived in the 95th minute, but Real Sociedad’s captain failed to convert a penalty, leaving the first leg level at 0-0.
The result means Real Sociedad are still searching for their first victory of the season, despite producing the more convincing performance in Scotland. Hearts held firm in front of their own supporters and have ensured that the European contest will be settled in the return match.
A Zubieta night to decide the European campaign
The second leg will be played at Zubieta next Wednesday, when Real Sociedad will seek the win required to keep their Women’s Europa Cup run alive. Before that, the txuri-urdin face Real Madrid on Saturday, with another opportunity to register their first win of the campaign.
