**Arsenal**: Zinsberger; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Cooney-Cross, Little; Mead, Russo, Mariona; Blackstenius
Substitutes: Williams, Codina, Ilestedt, Nighswonger, Reid, Wälti, Pelova, Maanum, Kelly, Foord, Kafaji, Hurtig
Arsenal’s hopes of progressing to a Champions League semi-final are hanging by a thread after a damaging 2-0 loss in Madrid. Two mistakes, from Leah Williamson and Manu Zinsberger, allowed Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo to score goals in either half on a a waterlogged pitch.
Renée Slegers made three changes to Friday night’s team, as Beth Mead, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Stina Blackstenius came into the starting lineup. Alessia Russo moved to the #10 position as Frida Maanum, Lita Wälti, and Chloe Kelly dropped to the bench. With Daphne van Domselaar still out with concussion, Manu Zinsberger started in goal.
Arsenal spent the early period trying to play the ball behind for Stina Blackstenius, and on 18 minutes, the Gunners nearly profited. Russo played a first ball in behind, and Blackstenius’ left footed shot was parried behind by Misa.
Real Madrid took the lead on 22 minutes. On a heavy and muddy pitch, Leah Williamson misplayed an attempted Weir through ball, allowing Caicedo to run through on goal and slot past Zinsberger. [1-0](https://streamin.one/v/2fd8f91c).
The conditions of the pitch were having an impact on the quality of the game. With the ball not rolling properly, it was hard for fluent football to be played. Arsenal’s best chance after going behind came following a set piece, with Beth Mead shooting just wide of the far post.
Renée Slegers made a double switch at half time, with Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord replacing Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius. Russo went upfront, while Mariona moved centrally.
Caicedo latched on to a long clearance from the back, and went clear of Fox. As Caicedo looked to cut back inside, Fox was able to get back and make the challenge. At the other end, Kelly’s deflected cross was nearly fumbled over the line by Misa. Zinsberger then spilled a cross, but Little was able to clear away.
On 67 minutes, Russo played Kelly in behind. Kelly got in behind and looked to be dragged down by Méndez, but the referee played on.
At the other end, Zinsberger parried away a Weir shot, and then Bruun went down far too easily from a McCabe challenge.
Lia Wälti replaced Kyra Cooney Cross on 69 minutes.
Arsenal were beginning to look more dangerous, as Misa made a series of interventions on crosses.
Madrid made it 2-0 on 83 minutes. Madrid counter, and Weir carried from midfield and found Athenea Del Castillo. She shot from the edge of the box and it went through Zinsberger’s hands and into the far corner. [2-0](https://streamin.one/v/0e369e52).
On 84 minutes, Frida Maanum replaced Mariona, and Lina Hurtig replaced Russo.
There were 5 minutes added on.
From a free kick, Williamson’s header appeared to go off Toletti’s arm, but the referee played on and VAR deemed that Toletti’s arm was in a natural position.
Foord won a corner in the 94th minute. The ball came across the penalty box, and Wälti lifted it back in. Little shot, but was falling over as she shot, with the ball going well over.