Renee Slegers' side need to deliver a huge performance in the second leg of this quarter-final next week, after a disappointing loss in Spain
Arsenal have it all to do at the Emirates Stadium next week after losing 2-0 in the first leg of their Women's Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Some heavy rain in the Spanish capital meant the Gunners were greeted by the unwelcome sight of a truly awful pitch on Tuesday night but it was their hosts who adapted better to the conditions, with goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo giving Las Blancas a significant advantage going into the second leg.
It was Arsenal who had the first big chance of the game, when Stina Blackstenius was put through on goal by Alessia Russo. However, the Swede's inability to convert one-on-one would be punished just a few minutes later, as Leah Williamson's misjudgement of a dangerous pass by Caroline Weir put Caicedo in behind. Unlike Blackstenius, she made no mistake and broke the deadlock.
Caicedo was locked into an enthralling individual battle with Emily Fox all night and the latter did brilliantly to prevent the 20-year-old from netting a second shortly after the break. However, neither Fox nor Williamson engaged with Del Castillo when she picked up the ball on the edge of the Arsenal box late on, backing off to allow the Spain international to curl a shot beyond Manuela Zinsberger to double Real's advantage, despite the goalkeeper getting a huge hand to it. It was a killer blow at the end of a tough evening, leaving the Gunners with a hugely difficult task for their home leg.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Manuela Zinsberger (4/10):
Made a couple of strong saves, though also had a few unconvincing moments – including for Real's second goal. She should've saved it.
Emily Fox (6/10):
Had a real challenge on her hands with Caicedo but did better than most would. She and Williamson didn't communicate well enough for the second goal, when both sat off Del Castillo.
Leah Williamson (5/10):
Her misjudgement and inability to do better with Weir's pass up to Caicedo proved costly. To her credit, she did make some big interventions too, but it's hard to look past that error – plus her aforementioned role in the second goal.
Steph Catley (5/10):
Positioning was a little bit off at times and she also struggled to win many duels.
Katie McCabe (5/10):
Grew into the game and became a much more effective attacking outlet in the second half, to help Arsenal come close to getting an equaliser. Quality of her final ball wasn't up to her usual standard, however.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Kyra Cooney-Cross (5/10):
Was sloppy on the ball at times, including with the loose pass that allowed Real Madrid to to counter and score. That was in part due to the pitch, it must be said, but Arsenal as a whole team didn't adapt well to the conditions.
Kim Little (6/10):
Struggled to handle Weir, though did mop up well a few times in defence. No one won possession back more often.
Alessia Russo (6/10):
Created two of Arsenal's biggest chances with two lovely passes. Struggled to get much service of her own, though.
Getty ImagesAttack
Beth Mead (4/10):
Unlucky not to score just before half time with a sweet strike that flew just wide. Was otherwise quiet and went off at half time.
Stina Blackstenius (5/10):
Pressed well and watched her line better, including when put through on goal by Russo early on. Should've done better one-on-one though. Also off at the break.
Mariona Caldentey (5/10):
Worked hard and had a few bright moments but not enough for a player of her quality.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Caitlin Foord (6/10):
Made a positive impact off the bench and added a more direct threat to Arsenal's left. Coincided with McCabe becoming more of an asset going forward, too. Couldn't help them get a goal, though.
Chloe Kelly (6/10):
Another really effective sub who got involved plenty. Was so close to getting in behind off a nice pass from Russo, only for Mendez to make a hugely important tackle.
Lia Walti (5/10):
Replaced Cooney-Cross with just over 20 minutes to play but struggled to make much of an impact.
Frida Maanum (N/A):
A late sub as Arsenal desperately chased a goal after going 2-0 down. Couldn't do anything to alter the result.
Lina Hurtig (N/A):
Introduced at the same time as Maanum, with little more than five minutes to play.
Renee Slegers (6/10):
Kept her team fresh with a little bit of rotation. Unlikely to have accounted for the condition of the pitch when picking that XI or devising her game plan but swiftly tried to turn things around, making two half time subs. That didn't do enough though, with her team struggling to deal with or adapt to the playing surface.