Real Sociedad’s pressure overwhelms Hearts

Heart of Midlothian’s Women’s Europa Cup campaign ended with a 4-0 defeat by Real Sociedad in the second leg of their second qualifying-round tie. The Spanish side advanced by the same score on aggregate after last week’s first leg in Edinburgh finished goalless.

Real Sociedad dominated from the start and took the lead after 18 minutes. Ainhoa Marin delivered a cross which Laura Camino headed superbly into the far corner from 12 yards.

Hearts’ task became even harder shortly before half-time when Erin Rennie brought down Intza Egiguren inside the area. Paula Fernandez converted the resulting penalty five minutes before the interval.

Real Sociedad added a third just four minutes later. Cecilia Marcos sent a low cross into the box, and Ainoa Campo finished from close range to give the hosts a commanding advantage.

Torrential rain briefly interrupted Real Sociedad’s momentum, while Lauren Wade registered Hearts’ first effort on target in the 55th minute when her free-kick was saved by the home goalkeeper. The hosts restored their attacking pressure, with Marin prodding home the fourth goal after 76 minutes.

The result ended the Scottish champions’ hopes of progressing in the competition, while Real Sociedad moved through after a comprehensive second-leg performance.