Full time: Real Madrid 2-0 ArsenalThe pitch is the story here in Madrid but the home side used the conditions far better than Arsenal and have a two-goal lead to take to the Emirates. Credit to Real, who were excellent on the turnover and defended stoutly pic.twitter.com/yienBlmQ6V

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) March 18, 2025

Player ratings:

Manu Zinsberger 4/10

Had little blame for Linda Caicedo’s goal but certainly could, and should have done more for Athenea’s.

Katie McCabe 5.5/10

Got up and down the left side, with Emily Fox a little more restricted in her attacking endeavours.

Steph Catley 5/10

Partnered Leah Williamson in defence on a difficult night for the Gunners.

Leah Williamson 5/10

The pitch wreaked havoc all night and played a role in Real’s opener, but Williamson should have cleared the ball rather than looking to control it- missing it allowed Caicedo to make it 1-0.

Emily Fox 4.5/10

Tasked with keeping the rapid Caicedo quiet in a key battle on Arsenal’s right flank. Backed off when Athenea advanced late on, allowing her a free shot on goal to double Madrid's lead.

Kim Little 6/10

Battled away in the middle of the park, the Arsenal captain working tirelessly.

Kyra Cooney-Cross 5.5/10

Preferred to Lia Walti in midfield and did well in a game that didn’t suit Arsenal’s technical players.

Mariona Caldentey 5.5/10

The former Barcelona forward started on the wing but moved centrally in the second half

Alessia Russo 5/10

Dropped into the number ten role by Renée Slegers before going upfront for the second half when Stina Blackstenius came off. Unable to cause Madrid problems.

Beth Mead 5.5/10

Came close on the stroke of half time with a low driven effort before being substituted at the interval.

Stina Blackstenius 5.5/10

A big call from Slegers to go with Blackstenius upfront, but one that made sense in the Madrid mud bath. Denied well by Misa in the 20th minute when she was one on one

Chloe Kelly (Sub, half-time) 5.5/10

Introduced along with Caitlin Foord at the interval with Slegers realising speed out wide was Arsenal’s best bet. Felt she won a penalty after being played through by Russo but the referee disagreed.

Caitlin Foord (Sub, half-time) 5.5/10

Stretched the defence well, linking up with Mariona.

Lia Walti (Sub, 69’) 5.5/10

Replaced Cooney-Cross

Lina Hurtig (Sub, 84’)

Frida Maanum (Sub, 84’)

Subs not used: Naomi Williams, Laia Codina, Rosa Kafaji, Victoria Pelova, Jenna Nighswonger, Amanda Ilestedt, Katie Reid.