Arsenal boss Renee Slegers admitted the conditions played their part after former Gunners striker Ian Wright branded the pitch a “f****** disgrace” during their 2-0 Champions League defeat at Real Madrid.
A goal in each half from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo condemned Arsenal to a first-leg loss at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium, the home of Real’s reserves, and left them with plenty of work to do in the return next week in north London.
Heavy rain in the Spanish capital had left the playing surface resembling a mudbath and Wright posted an angry video on Instagram, saying: “This is a f****** disgrace the pitches these girls have to play on.”
Slegers was a little more measured in her reaction, telling reporters: “We spoke about it with the players before the game.
“We knew the condition of the pitch. So we had a plan for it but then it’s always hard because over a season and over time you work on things and you have an identity the way you want to do things.
“So then reality comes and these conditions come and all of a sudden you need to do things differently so that’s hard.
“But the players tried so all credit to them for trying and their work rate. But again, I think we’re all confident that we can do something against them at the Emirates at home because it’s only half-time.”
We keep battling.
Thank you for the amazing travelling support, as always, Gooners. Get home safe ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ufBgrhmfTI
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) March 18, 2025
Leah Williamson certainly seemed to be caught out by the poor surface when she let a harmless-looking ball from Signe Bruun slip under her foot.
Colombian forward Caicedo burst through and held off Emily Fox before burying her finish in the corner for a fourth goal in the competition this season.
The conditions may also have played a part when Real’s Melanie Leupolz injured her knee catching her studs in the mud, with the Germany midfielder departing the field in tears.
But Arsenal could not blame the pitch for Real’s second, eight minutes from time, when goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger let Del Castillo’s shot in through her fingers.
Asked whether Real’s main Bernabeu Stadium should have been used for a showpiece quarter-final, Slegers added: “It’s not on me to criticise, that’s obviously a club decision.
“I’m sure that UEFA is trying to create the best conditions for the tournament.
“Of course, weather is not within control but I think we’ve seen a couple of games lately where the pitch conditions haven’t been great and I think that’s the next step for women’s football to take.”
It was a big win for Alberto Toril’s side as Real Madrid had been winless in six previous meetings with English sides, all against Chelsea.
[(Zrinjski Mostar) Neutral]: 1. Zrinjski Mostar secured a 0-0 draw with NK Siroki Brijeg in the last game. They drew 3 of the last 4 games, showing a lack of winning strength.2. Zrinjski Mostar scored 5 goals in the last 5 games, revealing mediocre attack.3. Both sides drew their two encounters, showing comparable mentalities.[(Zrinjski Mostar) Weakness]: 1. Zrinjski Mostar conceded 8 goals in the...
[(Lech Poznan) Strength]: 1. Lech Poznan were eliminated by Crvena Zvezda in the second round of the Champions League this season. They can now only fight to enter the Europa League. Facing K.R.C. Genk, the team have to take home advantage to secure the lead in this game.2. Lech Poznan scored 19 goals in the last 9 games across all competitions, averaging over 2 goals per game, which showed stable...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Here we go / Eze to Arsenal Kai Havertz set for spell out with knee injury (David Ornstein) Freedom Freedom!! Garnacho only wants to join Chelsea. lol Cole Palmer ThisPlease stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
[(Brann) Strength]: 1. Brann are an Eliteserien team. In the third round of the UEFA Europa League this season, they narrowly won 2-1 on aggregate against Allsvenskan side BK Hacken, advancing to the Play-off round. In this first leg at home, the team are full of motivation.2. In the third round of the UEFA Europa League this season, Brann's starting forward Saevar Magnusson scored a brace for his...
[(Panathinaikos F.C.) Strength]: 1. Panathinaikos F.C., powerhouses in the Greece Super League 1, currently have a squad value of over 90 million euros, approaching 100 million euros.2. In the last UEFA Europa League match, Panathinaikos F.C. drew 0-0 with the Ukrainian powerhouses FC Shakhtar Donetsk on aggregate and advanced after a penalty shootout.3. Panathinaikos F.C. have an impressive home ...
Napoli open talks to land Hojlund as Man Utd aim to sellAccording to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli have had positive talks with Rasmus Hojlund's representatives as the player is willing to make a move back to Italy. The striker, however, has laid down certain conditions, which include guarantees of his staying at the club on a long-term basis and not just a mere loan move. Talks are ongoing between Napo...
Atletico Madrid set asking price for SorlothAlexander Sorloth is unsettled at Atletico Madrid.The Norway striker has questioned where he sits in coach Diego Simeone's plans this season.The former Villarreal centre-forward wants regular football this term and is now considering his options.Fichajes.net says Atletico are prepared to sell Sorloth this month at a starting price of €30m.A move to...
Forest reach agreement with Juventus to sign Douglas Luiz in season long loan dealNottingham Forest have agreed to sign Douglas Luiz on loan from Juventus this week with an obligation to buy.The Italian giants have agreed to send the Brazilian to Forest on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy as reported by The Athletic journalist and transfer expert David Ornstein who confirmed the deal...
Bayer Leverkusen agree deal for Man City's Echeverri without an option to buuManchester City have decided to loan Claudio Echeverri out for the 2025/26 season as they agree a one year deal with Bayer Leverkusen.Borussia Dortmund submitted an official offer for the young playmaker earlier this week but have now been informed that Echeverri will join Bundesliga rivals Leverkusen. The 19-year-old onl...
Wolves, West Ham in contact as Barcelona set Casado priceA move to the Premier League is on for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado.With Barca in need of making a major sale to register incoming signings, Sport says Casado is a prime candidate to leave in the coming days.Barca rate the Spain international at €30m, with Wolves and West Ham United in contact.Both Prem clubs are willing to meet Ba...
- 1 Brentford Agree Deal to Sign Dango Ouattara From Bournemouth
- 2 TIPS - Villarreal VS Real Oviedo
- 3 BVB, Monaco and Ajax go for unwanted West Ham midfielder Alvarez
- 4 ngland cricket legend’s granddaughter stuns in bikini
- 5 Alaves vs Levante Prediction for today 17 August 2025 - Football
- 6 Lamela explains retirement decision: It started 11 years ago...
- 7 Estevao Willian set for 'key' Chelsea role after debut vs Palace
- 8 TIPS - Gwangju FC VS Daejeon Hana Citizen
- 9 Emotional Arne Slot admits he had wanted to bring late Diogo Jota on as a substitute in Liverpool's dramatic victory over Bournemouth
- 10 Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Man Utd-Arsenal showdown sets early stage for big-money No.9s to show the Premier League what they can offer