Madrid : We fell to defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.
Our Gunners battled torrential conditions in Madrid but will have to wait for the return fixture in N5 for the chance to progress further in the competition.
We fell to defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.
Our Gunners battled torrential conditions in Madrid but will have to wait for the return fixture in N5 for the chance to progress further in the competition.
WHAT HAPPENED
Renée Slegers made three changes to the side that beat Everton on Friday, with Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead and Kyra Cooney-Cross stepping into the fray.
The torrential conditions in Madrid and a waterlogged pitch prevented both sides from playing free-flowing football from the off, but Real Madrid looked the more composed of the two teams in the opening ten minutes.
Our Gunners struggled to build our usual attacking rhythm and despite strong hold-up play from Alessia Russo in the 10 position and Stina Blackstenius’ runs in behind, nothing bore fruit.
Madrid struck on the counter in the 22nd minute as Caroline Weir picked the ball up in the middle of the park and unlocked Linda Caicedo. The Ecuadorian shrugged off Emily Fox to slot past Zinsberger for the opener.
Chances at both ends were few and far between after the initial goal, but Beth Mead came close to hitting the target just before half-time. The ball fell to our right winger after a set piece clearance, but her driven shot went just wide of the post.
Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord were introduced at half-time to reshape the front line as we searched for a way back.
We looked like a rejuvenated side after the break, playing with more purpose and vigour, and the match opened up considerably.
Catley, Mariona (Maanum, 84), Mead (Foord, 46), Little (C), McCabe, Russo (Hurtig, 84), Blackstenius (Kelly, 46), Cooney-Cross (Walti, 68)
Subs: Williams, Codina, Ilestedt, Nighswonger, Reid, Pelova, Kafaji
Real Madrid starting XI: Misa, Olga (C), Mendez, Lakrar, Sheila Garcia, Angeldahl, Leupolz, Toletti, Weir, Caicedo, Bruun
Subs: Laia, Sofia, Antonia, Redondo, Yasmim, Moller, Carmacho, Navarro, Feller, Athenea, Noemi, Dorado
