Why Real Madrid head coach Pau Quesada was “angry” with his side’s Champions League defeat to Arsenal | OneFootball

(Credit: Jay Patel/SPP)

Real Madrid head coach Pau Quesada has voiced his anger after his side’s narrow loss to Arsenal in the Women’s Champions League.

Caroline Weir gave the Spanish side the lead, but Alessia Russo’s second-half brace gave the Gunners the three points.

Head coach Quesada made it clear that the result was difficult to accept and that the team had let a strong performance slip away. His reaction summed up the mood around the squad as they reflected on a match that could have ended very differently.

What did Real Madrid head coach Pau Quesada say after his side’s defeat to Arsenal?

Quesada spoke openly about why the defeat felt so frustrating. He highlighted the moments when Real Madrid had opportunities to extend their lead and take control of the game.

He insisted that his side should have gone 2-0 up, which would have changed the entire rhythm of the contest.

Quesada said: “We had situations to make it 0-2. We lacked the last pass the last cross the last push. And the team was so close to 0-2 that when they equalised us in that isolated play I think we were a bit down.

“It is something we have to learn. Because we can’t waste a great game like the one we were playing here in London and finish with zero points.

“The players don’t deserve it. So we have to leave angry and we are going to demand more from ourselves,”

The equaliser arrived at a moment when Real Madrid believed they were close to securing a more comfortable advantage. Instead, Arsenal’s response shifted the momentum and Quesada admitted that his players struggled to recover emotionally from that sudden change.

Real Madrid coach praises Caroline Weir

Although the coach was visibly unhappy with the result, he made a point of praising Caroline Weir for her contribution. 

He said: “She played an excellent game. It is I would tell you in these two months at a top level. One of the best in Europe. So very happy for her. She is crucial.”

Weir though felt “disappointed” with Madrid’s defeat, after she had given them a first-half lead.

His comments underlined how important she has become to the team. Even on a disappointing night, her influence and consistency stood out.

However, Real Madrid ultimately left London with no points, leaving them sixth on the standings with seven points.

It was a crucial victory for Arsenal who moved up to six points, after defeats to Lyon and Wolfsburg.

After the game, Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers said she felt pressure ahead of the game.