Heart of Midthlonian opens the Europe Cup against Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad women's team will make its debut in the Women’s Europe Cup, facing Heart of Midthlonian, the Scottish champion from Edinburgh, after the UEFA draw held this afternoon in Nyon. The first match will be played on September 22 or 23 in Edinburgh and the return leg on September 30 or October 1 in Donostia.

UEFA draw determines opponent

The UEFA draw, held in Nyon, established that Real Sociedad will face Heart of Midlthonian, a Scottish team from Edinburgh, current champion of the Scottish Premier League, in round 2 of the second continental tournament. This encounter marks the first appearance of Real Sociedad in the women's European competition.

Match dates

The first leg of the tie will be played on September 22 or 23 in Edinburgh, while the return leg is scheduled for September 30 or October 1 in Donostia. If Real advances, the round‑of‑16 draw will take place on October 2.

The women’s Hearts reached the Europe Cup after winning the Scottish Premier League under the guidance of Spanish coach Eva Olid, who left the club to join Manchester United. This season, the team scored six goals against Aberdeen and five against Motherwell, but fell 0‑3 to Rangers.

Gorka Álvarez’s side will be the first Liga F Moeve team to take part in the Women’s Europe Cup, a tournament that is contested entirely through knockout rounds. This achievement highlights the growing presence of Spanish teams in women’s European competitions.

Before the European clash, Hearts have two away league commitments against Montrose and Spartans. These fixtures will complete their domestic schedule before the knockout tie against Real Sociedad.

In the knockout stage, Hearts will host the powerful Glasgow City, increasing the difficulty of the path to the next round. The match will represent a significant challenge before the trip to Edinburgh.

Hearts’ home games are played at Ainslie Park, which has a capacity of 3,612 spectators, of which 534 are seated.

Journalist Unai Valverde said: “My reaction was to spend a good while crying, for a Realista to be the coach of Real… I think there is nothing more to say”. He added: “I don’t understand Arturo’s timings, that commitment he bragged about has not been put into action”.