Arsenal travelled to Spain’s capital for the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, suffering a 2-0 defeat at the Estadio Alfredo di Stéfano that they must overturn next week if they are to advance to the semi-finals.
On a sodden pitch labelled by many as a ‘disgrace’, a misjudged cutout caused Linda Caicedo to get past both Leah Williamson and Emily Fox on a counter attack, to fire home the first goal for the hosts in Madrid. The 20 year old Colombian forward produced a composed finish in what was their first attempt on target.
After a number of corners that Arsenal had failed to capitalise on, Real Madrid broke through and found a second goal in the final stages of the game, through substitute Athenea del Castillo.
The wet conditions at Estadio Alfredo di Stéfano caused the pitch to deteriorate at a rapid rate, making free-flowing football difficult for both sides as the pitch was waterlogged and full of mud. Former England striker Ian Wright described the surface as a ‘disgrace’ on his social media.
The _Gunners_ did have their chances despite the difficult conditions. Stina Blackstenius forced Misa Rodriguez into a save after combining with Alessia Russo, and Beth Mead took a shot from just outside the box at the end of the first half.
But a misjudged cutout early in the first half caused Linda Caicedo to get past both Leah Williamson and Emily Fox on a counter attack, firing home the first goal for the hosts in Madrid with their first shot on target of the evening.
(Photo by Florencia Tan Jun – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Play looked to open up for Arsenal in the second half, with both Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord being introduced to Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius. Combination play on both flanks improved, moving around at a high pace, as fast as possible on the pitch. The visitors earned a number of set pieces, but capitalised on none.
Slegers’ side looked to get a penalty after a through ball from Russo found Kelly, who was brought down inside the box by Maria Mendez, but Danish referee Frida Klarlund waved away Arsenal’s appeals for a spot kick.
In the final stages of the game, when Arsenal looked to be close to getting a goal, Real Madrid broke through once more; Athenea del Castillo buried the ball past Zinsberger, after an assist from Caroline Weir.
The return fixture will take place next week Wednesday 26 March at 20:00 \[GMT\], at Emirates Stadium. The winners will then face Bayern Munich or Olympique Lyon in the semi-finals.
**ARS:** Zinsberger; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Cooney-Cross; Mariona, Mead, Russo; Blackstenius
**RMA:** Misa; Olga, Mendez, Lakrar, Garcia; Toletti, Leupolz, Angeldahl; Caicedo, Weir; Bruun