Arsenal Women v Real Madrid
Image credit: Getty Images
Real Madrid delivered a statement performance at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, securing a crucial 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final. Goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo in each half put the Spanish side in command ahead of the return leg in London.
This fixture marked the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, with Arsenal holding a distinct historical edge in European competition. The Gunners, making a record-equalling 16th appearance at this stage alongside Lyon, remain the only English club to have lifted the prestigious trophy. In contrast, Real Madrid, still establishing their pedigree on the continental stage, were featuring in only their second Champions League quarter-final. Their previous attempt ended in an 8-3 aggregate defeat to Barcelona in 2022.
Arsenal entered the match with renewed confidence following a strong league victory over Everton. Manager Renée Slegers opted to start Beth Mead, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Stina Blackstenius, rewarding them for their impact off the bench in their previous outing. This tactical shift saw Alessia Russo deployed in a deeper role, while Manuela Zinsberger continued in goal in the absence of the concussed Daphne van Domselaar.
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Meanwhile, Real Madrid head coach Alberto Toril made sweeping changes, with seven new faces in the starting lineup from their 2-2 draw against Deportivo. Sandie Toletti, Melanie Leupolz, and Filippa Angeldahl bolstered the midfield, while Caicedo made her return to the starting XI after injury.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid stunned Arsenal in the Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg (Image credit: Getty Images)
The poor condition of the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano pitch became an early talking point, with the sodden turf making ball control difficult and leading to a scrappy start. Arsenal struggled to adapt, allowing Real Madrid to settle into their rhythm. The home side’s aggressive pressing, spearheaded by Signe Bruun, forced errors from the visitors.
Arsenal’s first real chance fell to Blackstenius, whose effort tested Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. However, it was the hosts who capitalised on defensive mistakes to break the deadlock. A misplaced pass from Cooney-Cross was easily intercepted, allowing Bruun to thread a pass into the path of Caicedo. A mishit clearance from Leah Williamson saw the ball ricochet into the Colombian’s path, and she made no mistake from close range, sending Madrid into the lead.
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Despite introducing Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord at half-time, Arsenal failed to wrest control of the match. Kelly initially provided some spark on the right flank, and Lia Wälti nearly made an instant impact after coming on with 20 minutes remaining.
However, Madrid remained dangerous on the counterattack and doubled their advantage late on. Just minutes after entering the field, Athenea del Castillo found space 20 yards from goal and unleashed a stunning strike past Zinsberger, sealing a well-earned victory for the Spanish side.
The final whistle was met with jubilant celebrations from the Real Madrid squad, marking only their third victory in 11 matches against English opposition. With a two-goal cushion heading into the second leg, they stand on the brink of a historic first semi-final appearance.
Arsenal, meanwhile, face a significant challenge to overturn the deficit when the teams meet again at the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday. Improvement is needed if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
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