Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal: Gunners struggle to cope with weather in Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg

Arsenal's mistakes were punished as Real Madrid beat them 2-0 in their Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg in soggy conditions at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.

Heavy rain in Madrid over the past few days left the pitch cut up and in a poor state, hampering Arsenal's ability to play their passing game as they struggled to cope with the slow surface.

Linda Caicedo opened the scoring against the run of play with Real's first shot of the game 22 minutes in from a ruthless counter after the hosts pounced on a loose pass from the English side.

Arsenal pushed for an equaliser but Real doubled their first-leg advantage late on as goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger failed to keep out substitute Athenea Del Castillo's effort from the edge of the box.

The Champions League is likely Arsenal's last hope of silverware this season, with Chelsea eight points clear at the top of the Women's Super League with six games to go and the Gunners out of the domestic cup competitions.

But they face a monumental task if they are to overturn Real's two-goal lead in next Wednesday's second leg at the Emirates, with the winners taking on either Bayern Munich or Lyon, who also hold a two-goal advantage heading into the second leg at home after winning in Germany, in the semi-final.

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Kyra Cooney-Cross was at fault for Real's opener as her pass was intercepted in the lead up, but Leah Williamson also let Signe Bruun's pass squirm through her legs when she could have cleared as she slipped on the surface.

Arsenal had their best opening moments before going a goal down but Stina Blackstenius was unable to beat Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez at an angle and the English side failed to register another shot on target.

Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord made a positive impact after being introduced at half-time, replacing Beth Mead and Blackstenius, but ultimately Arsenal never really troubled Madrid's goal as they chased an equaliser.

Real's Melanie Leupolz, signed from Chelsea in the summer, left the pitch in tears after suffering a seemingly-serious knee injury in the second half when striking the floor as she kicked the ball.

Zinsberger got a glove to Del Castillo's 82nd-minute strike but failed to steer the ball away from goal and it leaves Arsenal with a mountain to climb in next Wednesday's second leg at the Emirates.

Slegers: We believe we can turn it around

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers:

"I think it was an even game where we had more chances. But they defended very well and created more one-on-one situations.

"We always have to look at the details where we can improve and analyse everything. We all believe we can do different things in the second leg.

"It was the details that made the difference. The game was more even than the result indicates. There is a part of our game that we can be happy with but there is another part that we can't be."

Toril: Prestigious victory for Real Madrid

Real Madrid boss Alberto Toril:

"The match had two very different parts. In the first we were very good, and in the second we suffered. I'm very happy with the work we did.

"We played a great match. Being able to play in the quarter-finals and beat an opponent like this tells us that we are on the right track. This is a prestigious victory. But it's only the first part. Now it's time to enjoy the victory.

"Our plan was clear: put a lot of midfielders inside and load the game there. We had some good moments breaking and coming out quickly.

"Bruun allowed us to play long. In general we were good, taking advantage of the chances and defending when we had to defend."

Caicedo: Victory gives us impetus to keep going

Real Madrid forward Linda Caicedo:

"I'm very happy with this lead but there are 90 minutes left. Now we have to prepare for the match in London and try to reach the semi-finals.

"The team were very intelligent; they knew how to read the moments of the match. We are looking forward to the second leg but we know that the result could be misleading.

"This victory gives us the impetus to keep going and to keep our morale up."

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