We fell to defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.
Our Gunners battled torrential conditions in Madrid but will have to wait for the return fixture in N5 for the chance to progress further in the competition.
WHAT HAPPENED
Renée Slegers made three changes to the side that beat Everton on Friday, with Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead and Kyra Cooney-Cross stepping into the fray.
The torrential conditions in Madrid and a waterlogged pitch prevented both sides from playing free-flowing football from the off, but Real Madrid looked the more composed of the two teams in the opening ten minutes.
Our Gunners struggled to build our usual attacking rhythm and despite strong hold-up play from Alessia Russo in the 10 position and Stina Blackstenius' runs in behind, nothing bore fruit.
Madrid struck on the counter in the 22nd minute as Caroline Weir picked the ball up in the middle of the park and unlocked Linda Caicedo. The Ecuadorian shrugged off Emily Fox to slot past Zinsberger for the opener.
Chances at both ends were few and far between after the initial goal, but Beth Mead came close to hitting the target just before half-time. The ball fell to our right winger after a set piece clearance, but her driven shot went just wide of the post.
Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord were introduced at half-time to reshape the front line as we searched for a way back.
We looked like a rejuvenated side after the break, playing with more purpose and vigour, and the match opened up considerably.
At the other end, Fox battled well to contain the ongoing threat from Caicedo and Zinsberger pulled off a great low save to deny Madrid a second.
Our combination play on both wings improved tenfold in the second half, moving the ball around quickly considering the sodden pitch. Foord's neat footwork troubled Madrid's backline outside and inside the box, earning a number of set pieces that ultimately came to nothing.
The momentum continued to swing in our direction as we probed for an equaliser. A fantastic through ball from Russo found an onrushing Kelly and though the England international was brought down in the box, the referee waved play on.
We dug deep as the game entered its final phase, but luck in the final third frustratingly evaded us time and time again. Just as it seemed as though our chances in the boxes would finally lead to a goal, Madrid broke once more and substitute Athenea del Castillo buried the ball past Zinsberger's outstretched glove.
WHAT'S NEXT
Our Gunners will regroup ahead of next week's return leg at Arsenal Stadium, ready to reverse the deficit.
Before then, however, it's back to WSL action as we host Liverpool in N5 on Saturday. Kick-off is at 5.30pm.
team news
Arsenal starting XI: Zinsberger, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona (Maanum, 84), Mead (Foord, 46), Little (C), McCabe, Russo (Hurtig, 84), Blackstenius (Kelly, 46), Cooney-Cross (Walti, 68)
Subs: Williams, Codina, Ilestedt, Nighswonger, Reid, Pelova, Kafaji
Real Madrid starting XI: Misa, Olga (C), Mendez, Lakrar, Sheila Garcia, Angeldahl, Leupolz, Toletti, Weir, Caicedo, Bruun
Subs: Laia, Sofia, Antonia, Redondo, Yasmim, Moller, Carmacho, Navarro, Feller, Athenea, Noemi, Dorado
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