Real Sociedad make history at Zubieta with a 4-0 win over Hearts to advance in the Europa Cup

Real Sociedad experienced a historic night on Wednesday at Zubieta. The txuri urdin side beat Scottish club Hearts 4-0, earned the section's first European victory and advanced past a continental round for the first time. The convincing win, with a clean sheet included, sends Las Reales into the Europa Cup round of 16 with a 4-0 aggregate score and a place in Friday's draw.

• Real Sociedad beat Hearts 4-0 and recorded their first European victory.
• The Basque team advanced past a European round for the first time.
• Laura Camino, Paula Fernández, Ainhoa Campo and Ainhoa Marín led the scoring plays.
• The Europa Cup round-of-16 draw takes place on Friday.
• Sonya Keefe made her debut after recovering from a pubis injury.

A ruthless first half decides the tie at Zubieta

Real Sociedad entered the match as favorites and proved it from the opening minutes. Coach Gorka Álvarez fielded a recognizable lineup, although Cahynová was a notable absence from the starting eleven. His players responded with high pressing and constant superiority, leaving Hearts little room to breathe during the first half.

The opener came before the half-hour mark. Ainhoa Marín, fresh off her call-up with Spain, burst down the wing and delivered a cross that Laura Camino finished spectacularly past the Scottish goalkeeper. Shortly after, Intza nearly made it 2-0 with a curling shot that went just wide, and she also set up Seelenfreund for a close-range effort that the keeper saved.

The second goal arrived from the penalty spot. Intza drew the foul inside the box and Paula Fernández converted with confidence. Before the interval, Cecilia, one of the standout players of the early season, delivered a low cross from deep and Ainhoa Campo tapped it in for the 3-0. The tie was settled in under 45 minutes.

Control, rain and a 4-0 finish shaped by Ainhoa Marín

The second half followed a different script. Álvarez made three changes at the break, sending on Nerea, Cahynová and Isasisasmendi. Real Sociedad continued to control the game with less urgency and looked composed at the back. The pitch became heavier under the rain, forcing a more patient approach from both teams.

Still, there was room for more celebrations. The fourth goal came from a well-read play by Ainhoa Marín, who attacked the space behind the Scottish defense. A defender arrived in desperation and, sliding to the ground, turned the ball into her own net. It was the final touch on a brilliant individual display from Marín.

Sonya Keefe debuts as Real Sociedad find their first win of the season

The night also brought a special individual story. Sonya Keefe, the club's signing who had been sidelined by a pubis injury, played her first 15 minutes for Real Sociedad in front of the home crowd at Zubieta. Her introduction was one of the most positive images of the evening.

First win of the season, first European win and first continental tie ever won: Real Sociedad closed the door on their difficult start to the campaign in a single night.

The result ends the poor run of form that had marked the beginning of the season for Real Sociedad. The rout against Hearts not only carries statistical value - it restores confidence and keeps the team alive in Europe just before Friday's draw reveals their next opponent.

What is at stake for Real Sociedad in the Europa Cup last 16

Reaching the round of 16 puts Real Sociedad into Friday's draw, where the full tournament bracket will be set. For a team still writing its European history, winning a knockout tie represents a competitive leap forward and a chance to face more demanding opponents as the competition progresses.

Key players in the 4-0 win over Hearts

Ainhoa Marín was the standout performer of the match. She assisted Laura Camino's opener, forced the penalty that Paula Fernández converted and created the action that led to the fourth goal. Laura Camino, Paula Fernández and Ainhoa Campo completed the scoring plays on a night when Real Sociedad showed clinical finishing.