Arsenal got stuck in the mud during their Champions League quarter-final match, conceding a two-goal deficit in the first leg of their two-legged tie in Madrid, on a pitch described by Ian Wright as ‘a f***ing disgrace.’
In a week where the pitch conditions in some of women’s football’s most significant games have come under fire – with players and managers alike criticising the quality of the Pride Park turf for the Women’s League Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City on Sunday – the grass at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano once again turned into a bog for this quarter-final clash.
Wright said: ‘Watching the Champions League quarter-final Real Madrid pitch, this is worse than Derby’s pitch the other day in the Conti Cup final. This is a f***ing disgrace these girls have to play on.’
The game began cautiously, with both teams – meeting in the Women’s Champions League for the first time – struggling to adapt to the conditions.
Arsenal seemed to be the first to settle in, with Stina Blackstenius testing Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez with an early shot after pouncing on Alessia Russo’s well-timed pass.
Linda Caicedo, the young Colombian who dazzled in the 2023 World Cup with her blistering pace, quickly emerged as Madrid’s most potent threat, taking on Emily Fox and driving into the box before the USA right-back managed to scramble the ball away.
Real Madrid earned a 2-0 win over Arsenal in their Champions League quarter-final first leg
The quality of the playing surface at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano came under fire
Arsenal legend Ian Wright took to social media to label the pitch as a ‘f***ing disgrace’
Against the run of play, the 20-year-old seized an opportunity during Madrid’s counter-attack.
A simple pass to her, which should have been dealt with by Leah Williamson, was fired by Caicedo past Manuela Zinsberger, giving Madrid the lead.
From that point, the home team’s confidence surged, and Arsenal’s passing game grew increasingly sloppy.
Slegers made changes at half-time, bringing Chloe Kelly on for Beth Mead, who had been largely invisible in the first half, aside from a late shot on goal. Stina Blackstenius also made way for Caitlin Foord, moving Alessia Russo into the No. 9 position, where she is most effective.
Kelly appeared to be the most promising attacker of the evening but was ultimately unable to swing the momentum in Arsenal’s favour.
Real Madrid doubled their lead shortly before the end of the second half, giving themselves a solid cushion heading into the second leg at the Emirates next week.
Athenea del Castillo received the ball from former Gunner Caroline Weir on the edge of the penalty area, and fired a low shot at Manuela Zinsberger.
The Austria international, in for Daphne van Domselaar, got a hand to it, but the ball spun away from her and into the net, much to the delight of the home crowd.
