Actual Madrid put themselves in a incredible place to qualify for the Girls’s Champions League semi-finals after defeating Arsenal 2-0 within the first leg of their quarter last conflict at The Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium.
Scorers: Caicedo 22′, del Castillo 82′
In a tightly fought contest all through, the Gunners had the primary likelihood of notice simply earlier than the 20 minute mark when Alessia Russo brilliantly put Stina Blackstenius via on objective.
The Swedish striker tried to go throughout objective for her end however was foiled in high-quality style by Actual keeper Misa Rodríguez.
Arsenal had been left ruing that missed opening minutes later when Actual struck barely in opposition to the run of play.
It got here by way of a number of errors, with Kyra Cooney-Cross shedding the ball in midfield earlier than Leah Williamson failed to chop out Caroline Weir’s move to Linda Caicedo. The younger striker made no mistake, racing via and slotting previous Manuela Zinsberger for a valuable lead.
Beth Mead had a half-chance to equalise on the finish of half, however noticed her shot whistle previous the Actual publish because the hosts hung onto their on the break.
That was about because it bought for the Gunners as they struggled to interrupt down a resolute Actual defence in a irritating second half that featured only a few photographs heading in the right direction, and one which led to an important second Actual objective late on.
Athenea del Castillo bought it, waltzing via a drained Arsenal midfield and sticking the ball previous Zinsberger, who might be upset to not have completed higher with the midfielder’s effort.
Actual held onto their two-goal lead and can now be very assured of progress to the final 4, whereas for the Gunners, they’ve all of it to do subsequent week at what ought to be a packed Emirates Stadium.
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