Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo in each half. In another quarter-final clash, Lyon, the eight-time champions, also triumphed 2-0 against Bayern Munich.
The English side started strongly but were caught off guard when Madrid capitalised on a counter-attack in the 22nd minute, marking their first significant opportunity of the match.
Sandie Toletti intercepted an Arsenal pass in her own half and swiftly found former Manchester United forward Signe Bruun.
Bruun then delivered a pass to Colombian international Caicedo, who fended off a challenge from Emily Fox, the USA defender. Caicedo charged into the box and executed a precise finish into the bottom left corner of the net.
Beth Mead nearly equalised just before half-time, but her attempt went narrowly wide of Misa Rodriguez’s right-hand post.
Arsenal, appearing in their joint-record 16th quarter-final and aiming for an eighth semi-final, pushed for an equaliser in the second half. They forced Misa into a number of impressive saves, but were countered again eight minutes from time.
Scottish midfielder Caroline Weir, up against her former club, set up substitute Athenea down the left flank.
As she advanced towards the Arsenal box, Athenea cut inside and struck a powerful shot at the left post, which Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger could only deflect into the corner of her net.
“It’s a fantastic result and a brilliant win,” remarked Bruun.
“We had to remain united and function as a team. We’re thrilled with the result, but there’s another match to focus on.”
Arsenal captain Kim Little expressed her disappointment over the defeat, stating her team would need to elevate their performance in the upcoming second leg in London if they intend to progress to the semi-finals against either Bayern Munich or Lyon.
“We’re disappointed at the moment, but we need to regroup to ensure the second leg is a different story,” said Little.
Penalty Miss
Lyon, who won all six of their group-stage matches, claimed a 2-0 win at Bayern Munich, thus ending the German side’s impressive 11-game unbeaten streak at home in the tournament.
After losing to Barcelona in last year’s final, the French side went ahead in the 35th minute when Malawi international Tabitha Chawinga struck a powerful left-footed shot after capitalising on a miscue from Linda Sembrant.
That marked Chawinga’s first Champions League goal of the season, adding to her tally of seven goals in the French league.
Lyon could have doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time, but Lindsay Heaps’ penalty was saved by Bayern goalkeeper Maria-Luisa Grohs.
However, Haitian star Melchie Dumornay gave Lyon some breathing room, scoring their second goal in the 65th minute, marking her fourth goal in this season’s tournament.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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