Real Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE: Women’s Champions League result and reaction as hosts secure first-leg lead

Real Madrid secured a two-goal first-leg advantage as Arsenal struggled in on a sodden surface in their Women’s Champions League quarter-final.

A wretched night and poor playing conditions in the Spanish capital made it far from an evening for fluent football, but the hosts struck twice on the counter-attack to take a strong lead to the Emirates Stadium next week. Colombian Linda Caicedo capitalised on a poor error from Leah Williamson – the Lionesses captain miscontrolling a skidding ball – to put Real ahead in a first half of few chances.

Arsenal improved after the break with both Caitlin Foord and Chloe Kelly introduced at the interval, though could not beat impressive home goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez. That allowed Athenea to extend the lead late on, firing past Manuela Zinsberger, to leave the Spanish side in control of the tie as they prepare to travel to London next week. Much of the focus, though, will be on another substandard surface, which was branded a “disgrace” by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.

Re-live all of the action from Madrid in our live blog below:

Real Madrid vs Arsenal LIVE

• Real Madrid beat Arsenal in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final

• Spanish side strike twice on a sodden surface to take a strong lead to the Emirates next week

• GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-0 Arsenal (Linda Caicedo, 23 minutes)

• GOAL! REAL MADRID 2-0 Arsenal (Athenea, 83 minutes)

• FULL TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal

Arsenal’s trophy hopes dealt huge blow by Real Madrid and sodden surface

20:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Arsenal’s Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after they slipped to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their quarter-final at Real Madrid.

A goal in each half from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo condemned the Gunners to only their fourth defeat in 23 matches under boss Renee Slegers.

With Arsenal eight points behind leaders Chelsea in the Women’s Super League and out of both domestic cups, Europe represents their last realistic chance of winning a trophy this season.

But they have a lot of work to do in the return leg in north London next week after a disappointing display in the teeming rain at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.

Arsenal’s trophy hopes dealt huge blow by Real Madrid and sodden surface

FT: Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal

19:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A two-goal advantage, then, for Real Madrid to take to London next week. The sorry, soggy surface made it tough going for both sides but the Spanish side were resolute defensively, and those two goals on the counter-attack feel highly, highly valuable given how it simplifies their task at the Emirates.

There is concern, though, for Melanie Leupolz after she limped off with what you fear is a serious knee injury.

FULL TIME: Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal

19:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 90 + 5 minutes

19:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sliced well wide! A half-chance for Arsenal but they snatch at it. That may be that…

Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 90 + 4 minutes

19:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Antonia concedes a corner, the referee spot on in awarding it despite the defender’s appeals – there was no touch from Caitlin Foord before the ball travelled out.

This should be Arsenal’s last opportunity to get one back.

Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 90 + 3 minutes

19:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Appeals for a handball! And VAR asks the referee to pause proceedings…

Nothing doing. The ball did brush an arm, but it was in a natural position, and is quickly cleared.

Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 90 + 1 minutes

19:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Into five additional minutes as Real Madrid look to preserve this advantage. Real Madrid skipper Olga Carmona is booked, much to the left-back’s disbelief – she did take the ball, but the officials looked unkindly of a raise of her boot thereafter. Perhaps a little harsh, but a late chance for Arsenal to load up the box…

Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 89 minutes

19:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Time tick, tick, ticking away for Arsenal as the end of the first leg draws near. Chloe Kelly’s petulant challenge rightly draws a yellow card from the referee.

Real Madrid manager Alberto Toril urges his side to calm things down.

Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 86 minutes

19:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There is good pace and whip on the delivery from Katie McCabe, as per, but Misa Rodriguez, who has had a very tidy night, comes confidently to punch away.

Caroline Weir is replaced by Antonia as Real Madrid reinforce their defence.

Real Madrid 2-0 Arsenal, 85 minutes

19:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A two-goal deficit feels like a lot for Arsenal to give up, even with a home leg to come.

Frida Maanum replaces Mariona Caldentey.

A free kick to Arsenal, about a yard from the sideline and 10 yards from the byline. A good position for a cross.

GOAL! REAL MADRID 2-0 Arsenal (Athenea, 83 minutes)

19:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Real Madrid double their lead! Athenea strikes off the bench and how big could that goal be in the tie?

Arsenal are short of defensive resources as the hosts come forward, forcing Leah Williamson and so to back off. Athenea happily eats up the space before unfurling a drive. Manuela Zinsberger gets a hand to it and will perhaps feel disappointed not to have kept it out, only succeeding in slowing its passage into the back of the net.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 81 minutes

19:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A few verbals being traded by the two teams as the game just begins to heat up.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 80 minutes

19:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chloe Kelly’s blocked cross earns Arsenal their seventh corner; Real Madrid are yet to have their first.

Katie McCabe swings it in but Feller is there to head away.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 78 minutes

19:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Impressive balance from Naomi Feller, seemingly scythed into by an Arsenal tackler but somehow keeping her feet. Perhaps she should have gone down – her cross isn’t the best and evades two teammates.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 76 minutes

19:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A lovely touch from Caroline Weir, killing the ball dead and almost releasing Athenea on the left. The Scot has shown a few glimpses of her outstanding technical ability tonight on a far-from-ideal evening for fluent football.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 73 minutes

19:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alterations for the hosts appear to be being readied, too. And here they come: enter Athenea and Naomi Feller; exit Signe Bruun and goalscorer Linda Caicedo. Fresh energy in the forward line.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 70 minutes

19:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A midfield switch from Arsenal, with Lia Walti on for Kyra Cooney-Crowss.

The visitors then force Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez into a sharp double stop.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 68 minutes

19:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chloe Kelly roars for a penalty…but a decision is not forthcoming! The Arsenal substitute had got the wrong side of the Real Madrid defence and gone down under contact, but the referee Frida Klarlund turns the appeal down.

And now a shout for a spot kick at the other end – though there’s nowhere near enough in that challenge from Katie McCabe to grant Signe Bruun a penalty. McCabe suggests Bruun dived, which is probably harsh on the Danish striker, too.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 66 minutes

19:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Real Madrid would love a second goal here. They’ve done a really good job of keeping their defensive shape and preventing Arsenal from creating too many chances, though know that they may well face a stiffer challenge on what I am sure will be a better surface and a rather stronger home Arsenal crowd at the Emirates Stadium next week.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 63 minutes

19:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Teenager Irune Dorado is stripped and ready but not allowed to come on before the corner is taken, leaving Real Madrid relieved that their 10 players are able to deal with it.

Here comes Irune, on in a Champions League quarter-final days before her 17th birthday. Let us hope that Leupolz injury is not as bad as first feared.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 62 minutes

19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Leupolz is able to hobble off – though even that may be understating the discomfort of her gait. I suspect a chance is imminent.

Onwards Real Madrid go with 10 players for now. Arsenal earn a corner.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 60 minutes

19:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh no! Melanie Leupolz has gone down and is screaming in pain! There was no-one near the German as she played a long pass, and she immediately reached for her right knee.

A major blow for Real Madrid – and perhaps Germany, too, with the Euro 2025 looming.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 59 minutes

19:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Some 300 or so Arsenal fans have travelled across, a fair effort. They haven’t enjoyed the Spanish sun they perhaps expected, though do lift their noise and try to rally their team as they earn a corner. It comes to nought.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 57 minutes

19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mariona Caldentey gets to the byline and crosses, forcing Maelle Lakrar to get up and win a strong defensive header. Belatedly, the offside flag is raised – Mariona had strayed off earlier in the movement.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 55 minutes

18:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another bright counter-attack from Arsenal, but Chloe Kelly can’t quite find a gap through which to slide a pass into the path of Alessia Russo.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 53 minutes

18:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bit more life in the game since the resumption. Kim Little is back to clear after Manuela Zinsberger pats a low cross into a dangerous area, before Arsenal break and a shot deflects into the arms of Misa Rodriguez.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 52 minutes

18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This time Fox helps herself out! Linda Caicedo gets beyond the full-back and appears set to bear down on goal, but American shows impressive recovery speed to get back. Caicedo was not, perhaps, helped by the sluggish surface, which forced her to check her stride.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 50 minutes

18:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Emily Fox looks anxiously over her shoulder with the right-back beaten by Real Madrid, but Leah Williamson is there to help her defensive colleague out.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 48 minutes

18:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It really is chucking it down, the fans in the stands huddled beneath ponchos trying (in vain) to avoid a drenching.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 47 minutes

18:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It appears that Marinoa Caldentey has moved centrally for Arsenal, with Kelly on the right, Ford on the left and Alessia Russo now leading the line.

Second half…

18:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A double switch at the interval for Arsenal: Caitlin Foord and Chloe Kelly are both on, with Stina Blackstenius and Beth Mead replaced.

Back underway.

HT: Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal

18:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With the rain pouring and the pitch increasingly sodden, it’s been tough sledding at times in Madrid, but the hosts do have a half-time lead, earned by Linda Caicedo after Leah Williamson’s mistake. Arsenal have arguably had the better of a game of relatively few chances, though, with Stina Blackstenius and Beth Mead each going close.

Into the dressing rooms the 22 players disappear to dry off.

HALF TIME: Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal

18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 45 minutes

18:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A yard away! Nearly a leveller from Beth Mead on the stroke of half time, the Arsenal winger striking a bobbling ball from 20 yards and sending it fizzing past the post.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 44 minutes

18:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is still raining, by the way, which means this pitch is only going to get worse. Not the day for white shorts and socks, as the Real Madrid players are finding out.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 43 minutes

18:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a fine ball in from Beth Mead, too, causing havoc in the area. Steph Catley can’t quite get a foot to it, though, and her appeals for another corner go unrewarded.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 42 minutes

18:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A bit better from the visitors, with the very quiet Mariona Caldentey making an incisive run beyond the Real Madrid backline. A corner kick.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 38 minutes

18:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Signe Bruun is not, perhaps, seeing as much of the ball as she would like, though the big centre forward is gamely sticking to her task leading the line. She skews a header rather more upward than goalward, and Manuela Zinsberger trots across to collect in comfort.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 36 minutes

18:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This surface continues to cause problems. Real Madrid try to work a simple one-two from a throw-in but Sheila Garcia ends up flat on her face after failing to collect an errant return.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 34 minutes

18:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kyra Cooney-Cross releases a snapshot after a corner is only half cleared, but the Arsenal midfielder can’t pierce the blocking bodies in front of her.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 31 minutes

18:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Real Madrid are settling into their defensive shape quite nicely. Arsenal have had a fair bit of the ball but, aside from that Stina Blackstenius shot, the English side are struggling to break down their hosts.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 28 minutes

18:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Real Madrid are finding their flow after that Caicedo opener. Katie McCabe recovers in the nick of time to deny Filippa Angeldahl, not sighted too much so far on the right, an opportunity.

Real Madrid 1-0 Arsenal, 25 minutes

18:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Renee Slegers will be really frustrated by the soft concession of that goal. Arsenal had just begun to build a bit of pressure, and it really was an innocuous ball forward that Williamson miscontrolled. A player as good as Linda Caicedo doesn’t need a second invitation.

GOAL! REAL MADRID 1-0 Arsenal (Linda Caicedo, 23 minutes)

18:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

One chance, one goal! Linda Caicedo strikes to give Real Madrid the lead.

Leah Williamson won’t want to watch this one back. The Lionesses skipper gets her feet in a tangle as a hopeful ball skids towards her, the defender letting it squirm between her legs. Caicedo capitalises and surges in on goal, finding the right finish to leave Manuela Zinsberger with no chance.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 22 minutes

18:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There have been some good battles between Caroline Weir and Kim Little so far, the two Scots sparring regularly.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 21 minutes

18:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Arsenal are just beginning to assert themselves. Stina Blackstenius forces a mistake from the Real Madrid goalkeeper with a strong bit of pressing, though the visitors can’t capitalise from the resultant throw in an advanced position.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 20 minutes

18:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That, however, is a proper chance! Alessia Russo drops deep and turns 35 yards from goal, picking out Stina Blackstenius with a threaded pass. Her left-footed shot is palmed past the post by Rodriguez.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 19 minutes

18:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first shot of the game! Sort of. Mariona Caldentey swings a leg at a dropping ball and sends it in the vague direction of the goal. Misa Rodriguez retrieves the ball from far beyond her goal.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 17 minutes

18:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s excellent defending from Emily Fox. Linda Caicedo, who is not slow at all, looks to have the beating of her in the sprint stakes as the pair hare after a forward pass, but the Arsenal right-back battles back, using just enough contact to slow the Colombian and eventually dispossess her in the box.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 15 minutes

18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nervous second or two for Leah Williamson, urging her pass back on as it crawls over the sticky surface towards Manuela Zinsberger. The goalkeeper does, just about, get their first, tonking the ball somewhere safer before Linda Caicedo can capitalise.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 13 minutes

17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Real Madrid are pressing in a 4-4-2 formation, with Linda Caicedo dropping deeper out to the left of midfield behind Caroline Weir and Signe Bruun. Arsenal look to be trying to attack that side, with Real Madrid left-back Olga Carmona always keen to get forward and potentially leaving space behind.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 11 minutes

17:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No clear chances as of yet, though, in what has been a relatively calm start. Alessia Russo does get to the byline but Mendez is on hand again to cut off her cross.

Both sides still getting to grips with one another and the pitch, one would suggest.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 8 minutes

17:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The direct approach from Arsenal is beginning to threaten. Under Jonas Eidevall, they were more of a possession side by Renee Slegers appears to have encouraged her team to get the ball forward quickly, and Maria Mendez has to be swift of thought and foot to ensure Stina Blackstenius doesn’t latch on.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 6 minutes

17:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This feels like a big opportunity for Real Madrid. They were well beaten by Barcelona in their only previous appearance at this stage a few years ago, but the Spanish side is beginning to develop nicely after years and years of underinvestment.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 4 minutes

17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first glimpse of Linda Caicedo, driving at the Arsenal backline and making initial progress. Leah Williamson is across sharply to prevent the Colombian making further inroads – Arsenal will have to keep a close eye on the left-sided forward, particularly if Emily Fox isn’t quite at full fitness.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 2 minute

17:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This surface really is saturated. A great splash of water comes up as another long Arsenal lump lands beyond the Real Madrid defence.

Real Madrid 0-0 Arsenal, 1 minute

17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It won’t necessarily be an evening for flowing passing football. Arsenal have the first grasp of possession, but Katie McCabe’s diagonal evades Stina Blackstenius and is collected by Misa Rodriguez in the Real Madrid goal.

KICK OFF!

17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Arsenal kick things off on a sodden, sorry-looking surface.

Real Madrid vs Arsenal

17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out the players come with a bit of drizzle in the air. It’s been a long wait for these knockout stages to begin.

Real Madrid vs Arsenal

17:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kick off fast approaching in Madrid. The winner of this two-legged tie will set up a semi-final meeting with either Bayern Munich or previous competition powerhouses Lyon. The first leg of that encounter kicks off a little later.

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo speaks ahead of first leg

17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alessia Russo has expressed her confidence that the Arsenal squad are well set as they target last-eight success over the next two weeks.

“The squad’s in a good place,” the England striker said. “We had a positive result [against Everton] on Friday and we’ve seen a lot of each other this week with the travelling and playing games; we’re in a good place as a team.

“I’m really excited. I was just saying to Renée {Slegers] that it’s my first quarter-final in the Champions League, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Independent football regulator could cover women’s game, minister says

17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The independent football regulator, which is set to govern the men’s game in England, could one day be expanded to include women’s football, a Government peer has said.

Baroness Twycross said the body, which the focal point of the Football Governance Bill, will not oversee the women’s game – despite its recent surge in popularity.

Lady Twycross said the sport’s ongoing development meant the regulator, which will have responsibility for the top five divisions of the men’s game, would be unsuitable and could instead hold the women’s game back.

Independent football regulator could cover women’s game, minister says

Real Madrid vs Arsenal

17:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is Arsenal’s 16th appearance in the last eight of this competition, a record tally that they share with Lyon. Can this group emulate the achievement of the 2007 side by going all the way?

Real Madrid boss Alberto Toril expecting tough test

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I anticipate an evenly-matched contest between two teams that are doing really well,” the Real Madrid manager said yesterday. “We’re very excited about the quarter-finals, it’s our second time in this round, and reaching the semi-finals would be an important step in our progress, I think we’re ready for it.

“We have to understand the moments of each match, of the tie, there are going to be a lot of games within the match itself. We have to control it and take the game where it suits us.”

Renee Slegers turns to Spanish pair for advice on Real Madrid

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Arsenal boss Renee Slegers has been counting on a pair of Spaniards in her squad to provide a little bit of extra insight into Real Madrid.

“I have been talking to Laia Codina and Mariona [Caldentey] to get information because they have played against them many times,” Slegers revealed this week. “They know what the circumstances are, what kind of stadium it is, the style of play. Real Madrid have a strong identity, they are disciplined in their play and they like possession.”

Team news – Arsenal

16:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Emily Fox is cleared and ready to go at right back for Arsenal, who promote Kyra Cooney-Cross, Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius into a strong starting side.

Arsenal XI: Zinsberger; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Cooney-Cross; Mead, Russo, Caldentey; Blackstenius.

Team news – Real Madrid

16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Linda Caicedo is fit to start in Real Madrid’s front three.

Real Madrid XI: Misa; Garcia, Lakrar, Mendez, Carmona; Toletti, Leupolz, Angeldahl; Caicedo, Weir; Bruun.

Team news on the way…

16:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We should have team news from Madrid shortly. We know that it will again be Manuela Zinsberger in goal for Arsenal with Daphne van Domselaar still dealing with the impacts of a concussion, but will Emily Fox be fit to return having limped off against Everton?

‘A shame’: Women’s League Cup final pitch criticised as Chelsea beat Man City

16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There was disappointment, though, over the surface at Derby, which did not at all appear fit for a cup final:

‘A shame’: Women’s League Cup final pitch criticised as Chelsea beat Man City

Chelsea secure first trophy of potential quadruple

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

For Chelsea, their meeting with Manchester City tomorrow will be the second of four in a matter of two weeks, with the two legs of their Champions League tie falling either side of a WSL fixture. The pair also clashed at Pride Park on Saturday, and Jamie Braidwood was there to see the first trophy of the Sonia Bompastor era secured:

The key to Chelsea’s victory over Man City resulting in huge advantage

Women’s Champions League quarter-finals

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eight will be whittled down to four over the next week or so, with a fun set of quarter-finals assembled in February’s draw.

Real Madrid vs Arsenal

Manchester City vs Chelsea

Wolfsburg vs FC Barcelona

Bayern Munich vs Lyon

Real Madrid vs Arsenal

12:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League are upon us, with four highly intriguing ties to be decided across two legs over the next eight days.

We begin in Madrid, where Arsenal will be hoping to continue their good form and fluency under Renee Slegers having topped their group. They take on Real Madrid, with kick off for the first leg at 5.45pm GMT.