Arsenal have it all to do in the Women’s Champions League after they fell to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Real Madrid.
The Gunners went into the clash in Madrid as favourites to progress, but they must now stage a rousing comeback at the Emirates Stadium, after they were punished on a frustrating evening.
In rainy conditions and on a terrible playing surface, Arsenal made a confident start, only to concede against the run of play midway through the first-half. The ball was lost in midfield, Leah Williamson failed to cut out a through ball and Linda Caicedo took full advantage burst through and finish well.
Again it was Arsenal pushing in the second-half, with Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord introduced at the break, and they had a successions of set-pieces, but struggled to create much in the way of clear-cut chances.
The Gunners were on top in the match as they pursued an equaliser, and yet it was at the other end that the second goal came. The visitors were too open in midfield, allowing Real to break into space, and Athenea del Castillo’s shot found a way past Manuela Zinsberger, who should have done better in goal.
Arsenal could not pull one back in the closing stages, leaving them with requiring a special night in north London if they are to reach the semi-finals.
More to follow...
