Slegers’ Arsenal left with uphill battle after frustrating night in Spain | OneFootball

Arsenal suffered a frustrating 2-0 defeat on a cold, rain-soaked night in the Spanish capital, leaving themselves with a mountain to climb in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week.

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Renee Slegers opted for a pragmatic XI against Real Madrid, deploying Manuela Zinsberger in goal behind a back four of Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, and Katie McCabe. Kyra Cooney-Cross and Kim Little anchored midfield, while Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, Mariona Caldentey, and Stina Blackstenius formed the attack. Given the waterlogged pitch at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, it was a logical setup.

The surface, which had held up on first inspection, quickly deteriorated under the floodlights. Days of torrential rain had softened the ground, and by warm-ups, patches of brown mud replaced the illusion of a playable pitch. It was clear the night would be dictated by the conditions as much as by the quality on the field.

Slegers’ strategy was clear: go direct, exploit space behind the Real Madrid defence, and limit risk in possession. Blackstenius, with her pace and physicality, was the natural choice up front. Arsenal’s approach produced some early half-chances, but the Gunners struggled to assert real control.

Then came the setback. In my pre-match press conference, I had asked Slegers about Arsenal’s struggles in defensive transitions. The concern proved valid.

Cooney-Cross misplaced a pass in midfield, immediately putting Arsenal on the back foot. The mistake took six players out of the game, leaving Williamson scrambling to recover. She misjudged the interception, allowing Linda Caicedo to pounce. The Real Madrid forward made no mistake, drilling a powerful strike beyond Zinsberger for 1-0 – a preventable goal caused by sloppy passing and hesitant defending.

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

At halftime, Slegers reacted with a double substitution. Caitlin Foord and Chloe Kelly replaced Mead and Blackstenius, with Russo moving up top and Caldentey slotting in at No. 10. The adjustments led to improved possession and more structured attacking sequences, despite the poor pitch. However, the quality of delivery in the final third was lacking, with Arsenal unable to capitalise on promising situations.

The killer blow arrived late in the second half. Athenea del Castillo, fresh off the bench, found herself in space on the edge of the penalty area. Arsenal’s defence retreated rather than engaging, allowing the winger to unleash a fierce drive into the net. Zinsberger had no chance.

In a final roll of the dice, Slegers introduced Frida Maanum and Lina Hurtig for Russo and Caldentey, but the damage was done. The Gunners now face the daunting task of overturning a two-goal deficit at home.

The second leg will require a delicate balance – committing to attack without leaving themselves vulnerable to Real Madrid’s counter-attacks. Fox endured a difficult night against Caicedo, and Arsenal must tighten up defensively while finding a clinical edge in front of goal.

Adding insult to injury, I was denied entry to the post-match press conference and mixed zone due to an administrative error with my press pass. Real Madrid’s security was unwavering. Some nights, everything goes wrong.

Next up, Liverpool in the WSL on Saturday – a team that recently eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup. Given the fatigue from this bruising encounter, rotation is expected as Slegers prepares her squad for what will be a decisive night in North London next week.

Efficiency in both penalty areas will be the key to Champions League survival.