Overview

• Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals, with goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo.
• The match was played on a heavily criticized sodden pitch at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, which impacted the quality of play and drew widespread condemnation.
• Arsenal manager Renée Slegers expressed confidence in overturning the deficit in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium, calling it 'only half-time.'
• Real Madrid midfielder Melanie Leupolz suffered a knee injury during the match, raising concerns about her availability for future games.
• Arsenal’s defeat leaves the Champions League as their last realistic opportunity for silverware this season, with the second leg set for March 26, 2025.