Real Madrid defeats Arsenal 2-0 in Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg

Goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo, coupled with poor pitch conditions, give Madrid a strong lead ahead of the second leg in London.

Real Madrid claimed a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the Women's Champions League quarter-final, with goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo.
The match was played on a heavily waterlogged pitch at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, which drew widespread criticism for its poor quality.
Arsenal manager Renée Slegers expressed confidence in overturning the deficit in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next Wednesday.
Real Madrid midfielder Melanie Leupolz sustained a knee injury during the game, raising concerns about the playing surface's impact on player safety.
The match reignited discussions about improving infrastructure and conditions in women's football, with many questioning why the game was not held at Real Madrid's larger Santiago Bernabéu stadium.