Arsenal suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Given the Gunners’ impressive performances in the group stage, this result was very surprising for football fans.
The English team made a bright start to the away contest as Stina Blackstenius forced Misa Rodriguez into a flying save early on.
However, the momentum of the game shifted midway through the first half when Arsenal vice-captain Leah Williamson misjudged the flight of the ball to cut out a pass to Linda Caicedo. The 20-year-old wasted no time in firing home the opener for Madrid.
Beth Mead threatened to equalise for the visitors, but her effort from outside the box didn’t find the target just before half-time.
Las Blancas doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute when substitute Athenea del Castillo produced a fine finish to beat Manuela Zinsberger in goal after being set up by ex-Arsenal player Caroline Weir.
Renée Slegers’ side now face an uphill battle to turn the tie around when the two teams meet at the Emirates Stadium next week.
However, the Dutch boss is confident about their chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the tournament, saying “it’s only half-time.”
Renée told Arsenal.com: “It’s only half-time. It’s 2-0 to Real Madrid at the moment but we’re going to play against them again at the Emirates and we’ll have to believe that we can score two goals with the fans behind us.
“We heard the fans the whole game here as well today, so thanks for that. Thanks for the support and we always know that they will bring us that extra edge, that extra energy when we play at home with all the fans behind us so I’m looking forward to that.”
Arsenal’s 2024-25 campaign was underwhelming. With six games remaining in the season, they are eight points behind leaders Chelsea in the Women’s Super League.
The Gunners were recently dumped out of the FA Cup after a 1-0 home loss to Liverpool, while their League Cup journey came to an end in the semi-finals against Manchester City.
Therefore, the Women’s Champions League represents their best chance to win a trophy this season.