Real Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE: Women’s Champions League result and reaction as hosts secure first-leg lead | OneFootball

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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.

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.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2025 20:20

FULL TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal

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Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2025 19:38

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.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2025 19:35

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...

Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2025 19:34

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.

Harry Latham-Coyle18 March 2025 19:29