Real Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE: Women’s Champions League result and reaction as hosts secure first-leg lead
Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal: Goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea mean the Spanish side take a two-goal advantage to the Emirates next week
Real Madrid secured a two-goal first-leg advantage as Arsenal struggled in on a sodden surface in their Women’s Champions League quarter-final.
A wretched night and poor playing conditions in the Spanish capital made it far from an evening for fluent football, but the hosts struck twice on the counter-attack to take a strong lead to the Emirates Stadium next week. Colombian Linda Caicedo capitalised on a poor error from Leah Williamson - the Lionesses captain miscontrolling a skidding ball - to put Real ahead in a first half of few chances.
Arsenal improved after the break with both Caitlin Foord and Chloe Kelly introduced at the interval, though could not beat impressive home goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez. That allowed Athenea to extend the lead late on, firing past Manuela Zinsberger, to leave the Spanish side in control of the tie as they prepare to travel to London next week. Much of the focus, though, will be on another substandard surface, which was branded a “disgrace” by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
Re-live all of the action from Madrid in our live blog below:
Ian Wright fumes over ‘disgrace’ of a pitch as Arsenal lose to Real Madrid
The standard of the surface for a marquee women’s football fixture is under scrutiny for a second time in a matter of days, with Ian Wright branding the pitch for Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League defeat as a “disgrace”.
The visitors conceded a 2-0 first-leg deficit as Real Madrid made a strong start to their quarter-final ahead of the second half of the tie at the Emirates Stadium next week.
Linda Caicedo and Athenea struck for the hosts at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, but both sides struggled mightily to find their flow on a sodden surface not aiding fluent football.
Ian Wright fumes over ‘disgrace’ of a pitch as Arsenal lose to Real Madrid
Arsenal's trophy hopes dealt huge blow by Real Madrid and sodden surface
Arsenal's Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after they slipped to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their quarter-final at Real Madrid.
A goal in each half from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo condemned the Gunners to only their fourth defeat in 23 matches under boss Renee Slegers.
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.
But they have a lot of work to do in the return leg in north London next week after a disappointing display in the teeming rain at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.
Arsenal’s trophy hopes dealt huge blow by Real Madrid and sodden surface
FT: Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal
A two-goal advantage, then, for Real Madrid to take to London next week. The sorry, soggy surface made it tough going for both sides but the Spanish side were resolute defensively, and those two goals on the counter-attack feel highly, highly valuable given how it simplifies their task at the Emirates.
There is concern, though, for Melanie Leupolz after she limped off with what you fear is a serious knee injury.
Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 90 + 5 minutes
Sliced well wide! A half-chance for Arsenal but they snatch at it. That may be that...
Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 90 + 4 minutes
Antonia concedes a corner, the referee spot on in awarding it despite the defender’s appeals - there was no touch from Caitlin Foord before the ball travelled out.
This should be Arsenal’s last opportunity to get one back.
Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 90 + 3 minutes
Appeals for a handball! And VAR asks the referee to pause proceedings...
Nothing doing. The ball did brush an arm, but it was in a natural position, and is quickly cleared.
Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 90 + 1 minutes
Into five additional minutes as Real Madrid look to preserve this advantage. Real Madrid skipper Olga Carmona is booked, much to the left-back’s disbelief - she did take the ball, but the officials looked unkindly of a raise of her boot thereafter. Perhaps a little harsh, but a late chance for Arsenal to load up the box...
Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 89 minutes
Time tick, tick, ticking away for Arsenal as the end of the first leg draws near. Chloe Kelly’s petulant challenge rightly draws a yellow card from the referee.
Real Madrid manager Alberto Toril urges his side to calm things down.
Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 86 minutes
There is good pace and whip on the delivery from Katie McCabe, as per, but Misa Rodriguez, who has had a very tidy night, comes confidently to punch away.
Caroline Weir is replaced by Antonia as Real Madrid reinforce their defence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments