Real Madrid beat Arsenal in UWCL quarter final first leg | OneFootball

Real Madrid put themselves in a fantastic position to qualify for the Women's Champions League semi-finals after defeating Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg of their quarter final clash at The Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium.

Scorers: Caicedo 22', del Castillo 82'

In a tightly fought contest throughout, the Gunners had the first chance of note just before the 20 minute mark when Alessia Russo brilliantly put Stina Blackstenius through on goal.

The Swedish striker tried to go across goal for her finish but was foiled in fine fashion by Real keeper Misa Rodríguez.

Arsenal were left ruing that missed opening minutes later when Real struck slightly against the run of play.

It came via several mistakes, with Kyra Cooney-Cross losing the ball in midfield before Leah Williamson failed to cut out Caroline Weir's pass to Linda Caicedo. The young striker made no mistake, racing through and slotting past Manuela Zinsberger for a precious lead.

Beth Mead had a half-chance to equalise at the end of half, but saw her shot whistle past the Real post as the hosts hung onto their at the break.

That was about as it got for the Gunners as they struggled to break down a resolute Real defence in a frustrating second half that featured very few shots on target, and one which led to a crucial second Real goal late on.

Athenea del Castillo got it, waltzing through a tired Arsenal midfield and sticking the ball past Zinsberger, who will be disappointed not to have done better with the midfielder's effort.

Real held onto their two-goal lead and will now be very confident of progress to the last four, while for the Gunners, they have it all to do next week at what should be a packed Emirates Stadium.

📸 Angel Martinez - 2025 Getty Images