Real Sociedad Sweep Hearts Aside in Women's Europa Cup Qualifier
Real Sociedad beat Hearts 4-0 in San Sebastian to advance from the second qualifying round of the Women's Europa Cup, with first-half goals from Laura Camino, Paula Fernandez and Ainoa Campo.
Heart of Midlothian were eliminated from the Women's Europa Cup after a 4-0 defeat by Real Sociedad in the second leg of their second qualifying round tie in San Sebastian. The first leg in Edinburgh ended goalless, leaving the Scottish champions with a difficult task in Spain.
Real Sociedad dominated from the start and took the lead after 18 minutes when winger Laura Camino headed Ainhoa Marin's cross inside the far post from 12 yards. Five minutes before half-time, Erin Rennie brought down Intza Egiguren and Paula Fernandez converted the penalty. Four minutes later, Cecilia Marcos' low cross was turned in from close range by Ainoa Campo.
Torrential rain slowed the home side's momentum in the second half, and Hearts finally registered their first attempt on goal in the 55th minute when Lauren Wade's free-kick was hit straight at the goalkeeper. However, Marin added a fourth for Real Sociedad after 76 minutes to complete the scoring.
The result confirms Real Sociedad's progress to the next stage, while Hearts exit the competition. Supporters of the Scottish side expressed frustration on social media, with some questioning the team's lack of attacking threat over both legs, though others acknowledged the quality of the Spanish opposition. These are fan opinions and not verified assessments.
Hearts, the Scottish champions, had hoped to build on their domestic success but were unable to recover from a poor first-half display in Spain. Real Sociedad's comfortable win highlighted the gap between the sides on the night, with the hosts scoring three times before the break and controlling the game throughout.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
