Malard bags brace as Chelsea storms back to stun Real Sociedad

Chelsea nearly bottled it. Down 2-0 after 10 minutes against Real Sociedad in their Champions League qualifier, the Blues looked genuinely rattled. Then Melvine Malard showed up and reminded everyone why she cost real money this summer.

The debutant scored twice — once in the 67th minute, again in the 88th — as Chelsea clawed their way to a 5-2 win that leaves them with a proper cushion heading into next week's return leg. Not exactly the tidy performance you'd want, but three goals up? That'll do.

Bompastor watched from the sidelines, banned after her red card against Arsenal last season. Weird timing for a meltdown, but at least the squad showed some fight when it mattered. Girma opened the scoring in the 29th minute, then Buurman and James added their names to the scoresheet in the second half. Malard's finishing was sharp — exactly what you pay for.

Real Sociedad, who finished third in Spain's Liga F last season, weren't supposed to be a threat. They weren't. Marín and Marcos grabbed their two goals but it was never close enough to feel dangerous once Chelsea got going.

The venue was different too. Chelsea ditched Kingsmeadow for AFC Wimbledon's ground, a bigger stadium that felt fitting for a squad that's clearly building something. Squad overhaul complete, new signings bedding in, new home for European nights. On paper it all screams ambition. On the pitch, well, they made it messier than necessary but got the job done.

Next week's second leg should be a formality. Probably.