UWCL: Real Sociedad have ‘no need to be nervous’ ahead of Chelsea tie, says Klára Cahynová

UWCL: Real Sociedad have ‘no need to be nervous’ ahead of Chelsea tie, says Klára Cahynová Real Sociedad midfielder Klára Cahynová hopes her side’s hard work pays off when they face Chelsea in a two-legged tie in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers. On Wednesday evening, Real Sociedad will travel to London as they face Chelsea in the first leg of UWCL qualification. The qualifying tie is the third round of qualification, meaning whoever wins across the two legs will cement their place in the league phase of the tournament. Both sides must fight for their spot in the main draw due to their respective third-place finishes last season in their domestic campaigns. For Cahynová, who joined the Spanish outfit in 2024 from Sevilla, her Champions League pedigree proves a useful tool when preparing for high intensity clashes like this one. The 32-year-old’s European experience stems from her time at Slavia Praha in her native Czechia. Across two spells at the club, the midfielder made just shy of 100 appearances in eight seasons and reached the UWCL quarter-finals. “I can say I’m lucky because I already played in the Champions League,” she said. “I think I’ve grown a lot as a player since then because when I played the Champions League there [at Slavia Prague], I was nervous and shaking. “This time it’s different. I’m just going to try to enjoy it and give my best. There’s no need to be nervous because I think we’ve proven many times that we’re a good team.” Embed from Getty Images Who has left Real Sociedad this summer? Sociedad had a fantastic 2025/26 campaign, finishing third behind serial winners Barcelona and Real Madrid. This was their highest league finish since the 2021/22 season when the Basque-based side finished runners-up to FC Barcelona. However only two players — Nerea Eizagirre and Cecilia Marcos — remain from the side that reached Champions League qualifiers in 2022. With several departures in the summer transfer window — including Lucía Rodríquez, who played 30 games last season — Cahynová believes the side have done well to adapt during pre-season. “It’s true that we’ve lost some of our important players, but it’s part of football, you know. Some players go, some players come, and I think the new players are really good. They’ve settled really well and I hope we’re going to prove it on Wednesday. All we have to do is just focus on ourselves and that’s it.” Among their new recruits is Chilean striker Sonya Keefe from Granada. The 23-year-old joined Sociedad on a free transfer. The side are hoping the young forward — who bagged 11 goals last season — will fill the gap left behind by Edna Imade who joined Bayern Munich in January. Embed from Getty Images Despite playing just 13 matches for the Basque-based outfit, her goal return matched her appearances, so losing her mid-season created doubts in the dressing room. “Everyone was pretty nervous when we lost Edna because she scored so many goals,” said Cahynová. “But I think we played even better in the second half of the season. Because at the end, it’s not just about one player. “Of course she was important but we’ve found another player who can score goals. I’m sure we have two or three strikers who can do the same. So it’s just adapting to the new style with new players.” What do Real Sociedad expect from the Chelsea encounter? In recent years, Chelsea have cemented themselves as one of the biggest powerhouses in women’s football. From their undefeated domestic treble, to six consecutive Women’s Super League titles, one trophy has remained out of Chelsea’s grasp — the UWCL Cahynová acknowledges Chelsea’s depth and admits they ‘respect them as a team’ while also recognising their own qualities. Embed from Getty Images “We know their goal is to win the Champions League but I also know what we’re capable of. We’ve got really good players as well. “We proved it last season when we beat Barca. I think we’ve done a great pre-season as well — we drew with OL Lyonnes. So I think we’ve proven many times that we’re a good team as well.” The midfielder jokes that she’s not ‘looking forward’ to facing Chelsea, but admits she’s pretty cursed when it comes to draws. “When I first saw it [the draw], it wasn’t really the opponent I’d hoped for to be honest, but it’s part of football. I’m pretty unlucky with the national team, I always get the toughest opponent as well, so I think it’s just my fault and I’m sorry for that.” However the Czech captain is quick to point out that this is simply just another opponent on route to their ultimate goal. She recognises that although Chelsea are a tough opponent with rich pedigree in women’s football, there will be other tough sides ‘like Arsenal and Barcelona’ waiting for them if they reach the main draw. Cahynová believes Chelsea will dominant much of the proceedings but Sociedad will get their moments. It’s simply a matter of patience and converting their efforts when they get the chance. “Of course they have more experience, but we have to be really strong at defending and be good at set pieces. I think that’s really important for this type of game, it’s not about luck,” she said. Relishing home advantage Embed from Getty Images Real Sociedad will travel to London ahead of Wednesday’s game before returning home for the second leg. The clash will be played on Wednesday, 3rd September from the Zubieta. “I’m glad that we’re starting there and we’re gonna play the second game here with our fans. I know that maybe we’re not as famous as Chelsea but I think it’s gonna be a great game so come and enjoy it,” she said “Our fans, they’re just great you know, we feel them in every game. It’s important to do well there and we want to bring back a great result and then let’s see what happens next week in Zubieta where we feel at home.” Under head coach Arturo Ruiz, who joined the club in May 2025, he has built a side which Cahynová believes is a ‘good balance’ between youth and experience. “We have a young squad, sometimes I feel like mom because we have so many young players here. But we also have many experience players, so I think it’s a good balance. “The experienced ones have to help the young ones to feel confident. I see them every day and they’re great, it just shows something that the club has been doing really well,” she explained. Have Real Sociedad ever played in the Champions League before? Having never reached the main draw of the UWCL before, Real Sociedad know they are just two games away from making history. For Cahynová, reaching the league phase would be another milestone in Real Sociedad’s development. She believes the club’s work behind the scenes has earned them the opportunity to compete against Europe’s best. “I just think this club deserves it [qualification] for all the work that they’ve put in,” she said. “Everyone works so hard here, they’re doing everything for us. This was another step in the project of this team, of this club, to play the Champions League.” The midfielder is already looking beyond the immediate tie, hoping the Basque side can establish themselves as regulars on the European stage. “I hope we’re going to play also next year in the Champions League, I just think this team deserves to be part of the competition.” Related articles from Her Football Hub: Ona Batlle: Arsenal ‘will be there’ to compete for WSL title ‘Full circle moment’: Katie McCabe ready for new chapter with Chelsea after Arsenal exit Could London City Lionesses shake up an unpredictable WSL season?