Arsenal v Real Madrid: Women’s Champions League quarter-final, second leg – live

Opening Remarks: Greetings and welcome to the pivotal second leg of the Women’s Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal and Real Madrid. Arsenal shoulders the responsibility to mount a comeback this evening. However, playing on home turf at the Emirates, the fervent atmosphere might propel them into the semi-finals.

Real Madrid delivered a compelling performance in the first leg, overcoming a difficult pitch to secure a 2-0 victory against Arsenal. Caroline Weir, despite not scoring, was instrumental. The pivotal question is whether they can replicate that dominant display away from their home ground.

Arsenal faces a significant challenge to reverse the deficit. An early goal for Arsenal could dramatically alter the complexion of this fixture. We will provide insights into pre-match statements from both clubs and forthcoming team news.

The team lineups for this evening’s encounter will be announced soon. Stay with us for updates leading up to the 8pm GMT kick-off.

Team News: Arsenal has opted for an unchanged lineup from their recent 4-0 Super League victory against Liverpool.

Arsenal Starting XI:

• Van Domselaar
• Fox
• Williamson
• Catley
• Mariona
• Little (C)
• McCabe
• Maanum
• Foord
• Kelly
• Russo

Substitutes: Zinsberger, Williams, Codina, Ilestedt, Nighswonger, Reid, Walti, Cooney-Cross, Pelova, Mead, Kafaji, Blackstenius

Real Madrid will be without Melanie Leupolz due to an injury sustained in the first leg.

Real Madrid Starting XI:

• Misa
• Garcia
• Mendez
• Lakrar
• Carmona
• Toletti
• Angeldahl
• Caicedo
• Bruun
• Del Castillo

Substitutes: Laia, Sofia, Antonia, REdondo, Yasmim, Moller, Camacho, Navarro, Feller, Noemi, Dorado, Elsa.

Catch Up: Need a reminder of last week’s action? Revisit the match report from the first leg:

Arsenal’s Determination: Arsenal’s Leah Williamson stated, “It’s the most significant month we’ve encountered in knockout competitions, and this match holds equal importance. The progress we’ve made is evident in our trajectory. As a club, securing favorable results is paramount, thus our unwavering focus remains. We are solely concentrating on the immediate task in the upcoming game, always striving for victory.”

Exclusive Insights: Don’t miss this compelling interview with Mariona Caldentey:

Road to the Semi-Final: The victor of tonight’s Arsenal versus Real Madrid contest will advance to face Lyon in the semi-finals. Lyon, an eight-time champion, showcased their dominance by defeating Bayern Munich 4-1 tonight, securing a 6-1 aggregate victory. The French team presents a formidable challenge.

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We are underway! The second leg of this thrilling Women’s Champions League quarter-final is now live.

Early Context: Let’s recall that Real Madrid not only defeated Arsenal last week but also triumphed over Barcelona in Liga F over the weekend. Arsenal’s determination will be tested against formidable opposition tonight.

Arsenal Pressure: Arsenal is clearly aiming for an early breakthrough, applying pressure from the outset. However, Real Madrid’s defense is currently managing the initial attacking probes from the Gunners. Emily Fox has displayed early dynamism in her play.

Reader Interaction: Adam, a reader, shares his snack choice from Boston, USA – a brioche grilled cheese with roast beef – seeking to stay awake after a flight from London and hoping the game will also keep him engaged. He inquires about the commentator’s food. The commentator mentions enjoying salted popcorn amidst the entertainment, noting Arsenal’s push for an early goal, while Olga Carmona is effectively preventing chances for Real Madrid.

Possession Turnover: Alessia Russo’s attempted pass to Emily Fox on the right flank has too much force, resulting in a goal kick for Real Madrid. Real Madrid has been relatively subdued in possession so far. Is their strategy to maintain a tight defense and thwart Arsenal’s attacks, or will they seek to extend their aggregate lead? The game plan remains to be fully revealed.

Free Kick for Arsenal: Signe Bruun concedes a foul against Katie McCabe, granting Arsenal a free kick. McCabe takes the set piece, delivering the ball into the box. However, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Misa, demonstrates excellent anticipation to collect the ball cleanly.

Corner for Arsenal: Arsenal orchestrates a spell of intricate build-up play, positioning Alessia Russo in a promising area within the penalty box. The threat is nullified by Real Madrid’s defense, leading to an Arsenal corner.

Caldentey Header Misses: The corner is delivered into the box, and Mariona Caldentey rises to meet it with a header, but her effort sails over the crossbar. Caldentey reacts with visible frustration at the missed opportunity.

Another Corner: Play oscillates between both sides, but Arsenal maintains their status as the marginally superior team in these early stages. Just as this observation is made, Arsenal secures another corner kick.

Corner Wasted: Chloe Kelly takes charge of the corner, but her delivery goes directly out, resulting in another corner for Arsenal. Kelly delivers again, but this time, the cross carries too much momentum and drifts out for a Real Madrid goal kick.

Overpowered Cross: Another delivery from Chloe Kelly into the penalty area, but once again, the cross possesses excessive power, failing to connect with an Arsenal player. The Gunners need to refine their final pass to capitalize on their dominant play and potentially shift the balance of this tie.

Historical Context for Real Madrid: Should Real Madrid maintain their lead in this leg and progress, they will achieve a noteworthy milestone: their first-ever semi-final appearance in the Women’s Champions League. However, a significant portion of the match remains to be played.

Arsenal’s Persistent Pressure: Arsenal continues to press and probe, eagerly searching for an opening goal. While Real Madrid has demonstrated resilience, there’s a palpable sense that Arsenal might break the deadlock first in this compelling encounter.

Growing Confidence: Real Madrid is gradually finding their rhythm in the match, yet they frequently concede possession in advanced areas. Each turnover ignites the Emirates crowd, with fans cheering Arsenal’s every move. The home side wins a free kick, prompting anticipation for a potential scoring opportunity from this set piece.

Corner Conceded: Katie McCabe prepares to deliver the set piece. The delivery is sent deep, allowing Del Castillo to head it clear. Arsenal quickly regains possession and returns the ball into Real Madrid’s box, but Maelle Lakrar intervenes, clearing the danger, albeit conceding another corner.

Misa Claims Corner: McCabe takes the subsequent corner kick, but Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa rises confidently to pluck the ball out of the air. Williamson briefly goes to ground, appearing to clutch her head, but quickly recovers and rejoins play.

Kelly’s Delivery Unmet: Chloe Kelly delivers an exquisite ball into the penalty area, but her Arsenal teammates fail to make the crucial connection. It’s a frustrating sequence for the home team, who are consistently manufacturing opportunities but struggling to convert them into goals.

Defensive Awareness: Arsenal is demonstrating commendable diligence in thwarting potential Real Madrid counter-attacks. Caroline Weir attempted to break clear down the right flank, but Leah Williamson executed a timely track-back to nullify the threat defensively.

Kelly’s Cross Eludes Teammates Again: Kelly once more delivers a sumptuous cross, continuing her standout performance this evening. Yet, a disconnect with her attacking colleagues persists as another promising opportunity goes begging for Arsenal.

Corner Cleared: Mariona Caldentey skillfully wins Arsenal another corner, set pieces having emerged as their most promising avenues for goals in this second leg. They opt for a short corner routine. McCabe then delivers the ball into the danger area, but Caroline Weir is on hand to effect a straightforward clearance.

Foord Header Off Target: A beautifully weighted delivery from Russo finds Caitlin Foord in a prime position, but her subsequent header drifts over the bar. Foord’s landing appeared awkward, causing brief concern, but she seems fit to continue.

Misa Denies Arsenal Again: Arsenal fans must be astonished at the lack of a goal thus far. A chaotic scramble ensues within the Real Madrid penalty area, culminating in a shot from Kelly, which Misa deals with effectively. Arsenal earns another corner, underscoring their sustained pressure. The Gunners’ efforts warrant a goal based on the flow of play.

Another Corner Cleared: Kelly delivers another cross into the box, but it’s deflected for yet another corner. The England international assumes corner-taking duties once more, initially opting for a short corner before switching to a traditional delivery. Misa punches the incoming ball clear, maintaining Real Madrid’s defensive resolve as Arsenal continues to edge closer to scoring.

Real Madrid Attack Stalled: Real Madrid mounts one of their infrequent attacking incursions, spearheaded by a promising run from Carmona. However, the attack fizzles out, and Arsenal successfully clears the ball, regaining control.

Foul Claim: Linda Caicedo believes she was unfairly impeded during a run, and replays confirm a definite tug by Caldentey. The referee awards a free kick to Real Madrid deep in their own half. Possession exchanges hands repeatedly in the aftermath.

Real Madrid Counter Threat: Real Madrid demonstrates their inherent danger on the counter-attack. They transition rapidly into attack, penetrating the Arsenal box, where Angeldahl unleashes a powerful shot. Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Van Domselaar, produces a fine save. An offside flag is subsequently raised, negating the play, but it was a stark reminder of Real Madrid’s offensive capabilities.

Offside Frustration: The officials’ delay in signaling offside is becoming a source of frustration. Caicedo was clearly offside again, but the flag only goes up after she takes a shot which subsequently hits the crossbar.

Maanum Effort: Arsenal advances the ball swiftly into Real Madrid’s half. Maanum gets a shot away, but it skims narrowly across the face of goal. The match is becoming increasingly open as halftime approaches.