Pau Quesada insists Real Madrid “don’t fear” Arsenal as they seek Champions League revenge | OneFootball

MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 18: Linda Caicedo of Real Madrid controls the ball under pressure from Emily Fox of Arsenal during the UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarter Finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Arsenal FC on March 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid head coach Pau Quesada insists there will be no inferiority complex when his side travels to European champions Arsenal in the Women’s Champions League.

The two sides meet in the Women’s Champions League at Meadow Park on Wednesday evening.

Arsenal mounted an incredible comeback against Real Madrid in last year’s competition, knocking the Spanish side out at the quarter-final stage.

Renee Slegers’ side are desperate for a win after losing two of their opening three matches in the competition.

They sit 11th in the standings, six places and four points behind Real Madrid, who are yet to lose in the League Phase.

Pau Quesada: Real Madrid “don’t fear” Arsenal

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League, Real Madrid head coach Quesada says there will be no inferiority complex when his side faces reigning holders Arsenal.

He pointed out his side’s 2-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain last month – the first time that they have ever won in France.

Quesada said: “Real Madrid had never won in France, and we did it in Paris for the first time. We’re coming to the home of the European champions, but we’re coming without any fear.

“We want to be ourselves, set the pace of the game, and bring the intensity we’re used to. They’re tough opposition and we’ll have to neutralise their strengths with the weapons we have. We’re not worrying about where we’re playing.”

Quesada also highlighted the attacking depth in his squad and noted that Arsenal have perhaps lacked “clinical edge” so far this season.

He said: “We’ve already got 20 different goalscorers, we’re a team that creates a lot of chances, and we want to become even more decisive and efficient in the opposition box.”

“Against Lyon and Bayern, they (Arsenal) put in two good performances, the results don’t reflect those games. They do a lot with the ball, press very high, and they’re a complete unit.

“They’re putting on some great displays – perhaps they’re just lacking that clinical edge to improve their results. They’re a great side and I’m sure they’ll achieve their goals.”

What happened in Arsenal’s clash with Real Madrid last season?

Arsenal won the Champions League last season despite looking like they could crash out at the quarter-final stage.

Real Madrid beat Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg thanks to goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo.

However, Arsenal went on to win the tie with one of the greatest second-leg performances in the tournament’s history.

Arsenal scored three goals in 13 minutes, either side of half-time, with a brace from Alessia Russo and a goal from Mariona Caldentey.

The Gunners have endured a difficult start domestically and in Europe this season. Arsenal sit eight points behind WSL leaders Manchester City and have taken just three points from a possible nine in the Women’s Champions League.

However, Caldentey, during her pre-match press conference, insisted that the Gunners can still beat anyone.