The usual of the floor for a is beneath scrutiny for a second time in a matter of days, with branding the pitch for ’s defeat as a “shame”.
The guests conceded a 2-0 first-leg deficit as made a robust begin to their quarter-final forward of the second half of the tie on the Emirates Stadium subsequent week.
Linda Caicedo and Athenea struck for the hosts on the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium, however each side struggled mightily to seek out their move on a sodden floor not aiding fluent soccer.
Passing strikes have been comparatively few and much between as heavy rain continued to fall within the Spanish capital, undermining what threatened to turn out to be a extremely partaking encounter.
The pitch at Derby’s after Chelsea beat Manchester Metropolis in Saturday’s League Cup ultimate, however former Arsenal striker Wright believed the circumstances to be even worse in Madrid.
“Watching the Champions League quarter-final Actual Madrid pitch, that is worse than Derby’s pitch the opposite day,” Wright mentioned on social media. “This can be a f****** shame the pitches these women need to play on.”
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers admitted the circumstances performed their half throughout her facet’s defeat however didn’t wish to feedback on whether or not the tie ought to have been performed at Actual’s foremost Bernabeu stadium for the quarter-final.
“It is not on me to criticise, that is clearly a membership resolution,” Slegers mentioned. “I am positive that Uefa is making an attempt to create the perfect circumstances for the match.
“After all, climate isn’t inside management however I feel we have seen a few video games recently the place the pitch circumstances have not been nice and I feel that is the following step for girls’s soccer to take.
“We spoke about it with the gamers earlier than the sport. We knew the situation of the pitch. So we had a plan for it however then it is all the time exhausting as a result of over a season and over time you’re employed on issues and you’ve got an identification the best way you wish to do issues.
“So then actuality comes and these circumstances come and hastily it’s worthwhile to do issues otherwise in order that’s exhausting.
“However the gamers tried so all credit score to them for making an attempt and their work fee. However once more, I feel we’re all assured that we will do one thing in opposition to them on the Emirates at dwelling as a result of it is solely half-time.”
Actual Madrid’s win might have come at a value with midfielder Melanie Leupolz showing to endure a knee damage. The Germany worldwide screamed in ache after enjoying an extended cross and instantly clutched at her proper leg.
Although in a position to hobble off and down the tunnel, the incident raised fears that Leupolz might face a spell on the sidelines with Euro 2025 looming.
The second leg of the tie can be held on the Emirates subsequent Wednesday because the pair vie for a spot within the semi-finals.
