Malard Scores Twice on Debut as Chelsea Beat Real Sociedad 5-2
Melvine Malard enjoyed a dream Chelsea debut, scoring twice as the Blues defeated Real Sociedad 5-2 in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League third qualifying round.
The France international came off the bench in the second half and made an immediate impact, helping Chelsea turn a closely contested match into a convincing victory at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
The result puts Chelsea in a strong position ahead of the second leg in Spain.
Real Sociedad Strike Early
Chelsea were stunned just seven minutes into the match when Ainhoa Marín produced a superb finish from the edge of the penalty area.
The Real Sociedad forward curled the ball into the top corner to give the Spanish side an early lead.
Chelsea responded before the half-hour mark through defender Naomi Girma.
The Chelsea captain rose to meet a corner from new signing Katie McCabe and headed the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.
Chelsea Regain the Lead
The Blues came out strongly after the break and moved ahead in the 54th minute.
Lauren James delivered a dangerous corner into the area, with Dutch defender Veerle Buurman rising to head Chelsea into a 2-1 lead.
However, Real Sociedad quickly responded.
Cecilia Marcos equalised four minutes later, restoring parity at 2-2 and setting up a tense final half-hour.
Malard Changes the Game
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor introduced Melvine Malard in the 55th minute, and the new signing needed only 12 minutes to make her mark.
Sjoeke Nüsken played Malard through on goal, allowing the French forward to round goalkeeper Julia Arrula before calmly finishing into an empty net.
The goal gave Chelsea a 3-2 lead and marked a memorable start to Malard's career with the club.
The 26-year-old then played a role in Chelsea's continued attacking pressure as Lauren James added another goal in the 74th minute.
Second Goal Completes Dream Debut
Malard saved her best moment for the closing stages.
In the 88th minute, Ellie Carpenter sent a low cross into the box and Malard was in the right place to tap the ball home.
Her second goal of the night completed a spectacular debut and sealed Chelsea's 5-2 victory.
Malard joined Chelsea from Manchester United during the summer in a deal reportedly worth around £850,000.
The forward has also enjoyed considerable Champions League experience, having won the competition four times.
Chelsea Take Control of the Tie
The five-goal performance gives Chelsea a significant advantage heading into the second leg.
The return match will take place in Spain on Wednesday, September 2, at 18:00 BST.
Chelsea will be aiming to protect their three-goal advantage and secure their place in the Women's Champions League tournament proper.
The Blues finished third in the Women's Super League last season and are now looking to make another strong European campaign.
Chelsea's Goalscorers
- Naomi Girma — 29'
- Veerle Buurman — 54'
- Melvine Malard — 67'
- Lauren James — 74'
- Melvine Malard — 88'
Real Sociedad Goalscorers
- Ainhoa Marín — 7'
- Cecilia Marcos — 58'
What's Next for Chelsea?
Chelsea's European campaign continues with the second leg against Real Sociedad in Spain.
The match comes shortly before the Blues begin their Women's Super League campaign against Aston Villa.
Starting this season, Chelsea's WSL home matches will be played at Stamford Bridge, while their domestic cup and European league-phase home fixtures will be staged at Wimbledon's home ground.
Final Verdict
Melvine Malard could hardly have asked for a better introduction to Chelsea.
Coming off the bench with the score level at 2-2, the French forward scored twice and helped the Blues establish a commanding advantage in the Champions League qualifying tie.
Chelsea's 5-2 victory leaves them firmly in control, with Real Sociedad facing a difficult task in the return leg.
Keywords: Melvine Malard, Chelsea Women, Chelsea FC Women, Real Sociedad Women, Women's Champions League, UEFA Women's Champions League, Chelsea vs Real Sociedad, Malard Chelsea debut, Lauren James, Naomi Girma, Veerle Buurman, women's football