Real Madrid held to draw as Spanish media cite Arsenal distraction | OneFootball

Real Madrid Women could only draw against Deportivo Abanca, with Spanish media suggesting their focus was already on their Champions League clash with Arsenal.

Madrid leaves homework undone ahead of Arsenal. Olga saves a point against Depor. AS 16 March 2025

Real Madrid Women dropped crucial points in their pursuit of Barcelona, managing only a 2-2 draw against Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday, as Spanish media suggested their minds were already on Arsenal ahead of their Champions League quarter-final.

With Tuesday’s showdown against the Gunners looming, Madrid manager Alberto Toril fielded a rotated lineup, making six changes from their recent Clásico against Barcelona. The lack of cohesion was evident, with Madrid twice falling behind and needing two penalties to salvage a draw.

Young midfielder Irune Dorado showed glimpses of promise, but Antonia Silva had a night to forget, conceding an early penalty and later scoring an own goal that nearly cost Madrid the match. Carla Camacho and Olga, both from the penalty spot, rescued a point for Las Blancas, but the performance raised concerns ahead of their trip to North London.

With Madrid now trailing Barcelona by seven points in the Primera División, all focus shifts to their crucial European clash with Arsenal, where another lapse in concentration could prove fatal.