Arsenal and their trio of Matildas have a lot to do if they are to reach the Women’s European Champions League semi-finals after the Gunners suffered a 1-0 defeat at Real Madrid in their quarter-final first-leg.
The London club largely controlled the match but rarely looked like scoring and conceded a goal in each half thanks to two mistakes in the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano.
Arsenal began with Steph Catley in defence and Kyra Cooney-Cross in midfield. Caitlin Foord joined them when she was introduced at half-time.
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(L-R) Antonia of Real Madrid Women, Caitlin Foord of Arsenal Women during the UEFA Champions League Women match between Real Madrid Women v Arsenal Women at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano on March 18, 2025 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Caitlin Foord (right) of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League Women match between Real Madrid Women v Arsenal Women at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano on March 18, 2025 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
In teeming rain on a dreadful, waterlogged pitch Arsenal struggled to assert themselves and went behind after 22 minutes. After a slack Cooney-Cross pass was cut out England captain Leah Williamson allowed Signe Bruun’s forward ball to Linda Caicedo to run under her foot and the Colombian punished her with a cool finish.
Either side of the goal Stina Blackstenius and Beth Mead went close but they were rare forays forward and both were replaced at half-time.
Foord was among the arrivals and was soon running at the home defence, having a shot after 53 minutes. Her directness, and that of fellow sub Chloe Kelly, made a difference and both tested the Real defence.
But as it seemed Arsenal were sure to level possession was again conceded cheaply in midfield. Athenea del Castillo was then allowed to shoot from the edge of the box. Manuela Zinsberger should have saved, but allowed the ball through her palms into the net.
With Arsenal eight points behind leaders Chelsea in the Women’s Super League and out of both domestic cups, Europe represents their last realistic chance of winning a trophy this season.
The state of the pitch in Madrid drew pelters, including an angry reaction from Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
“Watching the Champions League quarter-final Real Madrid pitch, this is worse than Derby’s pitch the other day in the Conti Cup final. This is a f–king disgrace these girls have to play on.”
On Wednesday Chelsea, who remain without Sam Kerr, are at Mary Fowler’s Manchester City. Fowler has added responsibility as City will be without injured forwards Khadija Shaw and Aoba Fujino.
The same night Wolfsburg host defending champions Barcelona.
The second leg ties are next week with Arsenal hosting Real at the Emirates on Wednesday.