Arsenal must overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit if they are to advance to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League after losing to Real Madrid on a pitch Gunners legend Ian Wright labelled a “disgrace”.
A mistake by England captain Leah Williamson allowed Colombia forward Linda Caicedo to fire the hosts ahead midway through the first half in Spain’s capital. The 20-year-old produced a composed finish in what was Real’s only attempt of the first half.
Danish referee Frida Klarlund waved away Arsenal’s appeals for a second-half penalty after a challenge by Maria Mendez on substitute Chloe Kelly, before Real Madrid doubled their lead through substitute Athenea del Castillo.
The return leg takes place at Emirates Stadium on 26 March, with the winners facing Bayern Munich or Lyon in the semi-finals. Lyon beat Bayern 2-0 in their quarter-final first leg in Germany on Tuesday.
