Arsenal legend Ian Wright blasts Women's Champions League pitch as a 'f***ing disgrace' in x-rated rant – as Gunners lose quarter-final first leg to Real Madrid

Arsenal found themselves stuck in the mud during their Champions League quarter-final match, conceding a two-goal deficit in the first of their two-legged tie in Madrid on a pitch described by Ian Wright as ‘a f***ing disgrace.’

In a week where the pitch conditions in some of women’s football’s most significant games have come under fire – with players and managers alike criticising the quality of the Pride Park turf for the Women’s League Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City on Sunday – the grass at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano deteriorated into a bog for this fixture in Europe’s ‘elite’ competition.

Wright said: ‘Watching the Champions League quarter-final Real Madrid pitch, this is worse than Derby’s pitch the other day in the Conti Cup final.

‘This is a f***ing disgrace these pitches these girls have to play on.’

Real Madrid have never played a women’s game at the Santiago Bernabeu, which Renee Slegers was asked about after the match.

The Arsenal manager replied: ‘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.’

The game began cautiously, with both teams – meeting in the Women’s Champions League for the first time – struggling to adapt to the conditions.

Arsenal were initially the first to settle in, with Stina Blackstenius testing Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez with an early shot after pouncing on Alessia Russo’s well-timed pass, which the Spanish goalkeeper palmed away.

Meanwhile Linda Caicedo, the young Colombian who dazzled in the 2023 World Cup with her blistering pace, was emerging as Madrid’s most potent threat, taking on Emily Fox and driving into the box before the USA right-back managed to scramble the ball away.

Against the run of play, the 20-year-old seized an opportunity during Madrid’s counter-attack. A simple pass to Caicedo – which should have been dealt with by Leah Williamson – was fired past Manuela Zinsberger to give Madrid the lead.

From that point, the home team’s confidence surged and Arsenal’s passing game grew increasingly sloppy as the rain continued to teem down in the Spanish capital.

Slegers made changes at half-time, bringing Chloe Kelly on for Beth Mead, who had been largely invisible in the first half, aside from a late shot on goal. Stina Blackstenius also made way for Caitlin Foord, moving Alessia Russo into the No. 9 position, where she is most effective.

Kelly appeared to be the most promising attacker of the evening but was ultimately unable to swing the momentum in Arsenal’s favour.

Real Madrid doubled their lead shortly before the end of the second half, giving themselves a solid cushion heading into the second leg at the Emirates next week.

Athenea del Castillo received the ball from former Gunner Caroline Weir on the edge of the penalty area and fired a low shot at Manuela Zinsberger.

The Austria international, in for Daphne van Domselaar, got a hand to it, but the ball spun away from her and into the net much to the delight of the home crowd.

Slegers’ side will have their work cut out for them at the Emirates next week, albeit on a superior surface.