Arsenal Women have been left with a mountain to climb in the Women's Champions League owing to a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
In absolutely appalling conditions at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, strikes either side of the half-time whistle from Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo ended the Gunners' magnificent winning run in Europe.
Having prevailed in each of their last five games in the Women's Champions League, Arsenal were bidding to win six in a row in the continent's premier tournament for the first time in their history.
However, poor weather and a shoddy surface did not help Renee Slegers's side whatsoever, and they fell 1-0 down to a tidy Caicedo finish in the 22nd minute following a rare mistake from Leah Williamson.
The visitors were not lacking in creativity, managing to fashion 13 shots and two big chances on the evening, but Blancos goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez had just the one save to make before the hosts doubled their advantage.
Scottish striker Caroline Weir surged through the middle of the pitch and laid the ball off to Del Castillo, who was also allowed to stride forward unchallenged and let fly with a 20-yard strike, which Manuela Zinsberger could only palm into the corner.
Arsenal will be aiming to respond when they welcome Real Madrid to the Emirates for the second leg next Wednesday evening, prior to which the Gunners face Liverpool in the Women's Super League on Saturday, bidding to stay in touch with Chelsea at the top of the table.
Following the conclusion of the women's quarter-final, Arsenal and Real Madrid's men's teams will also meet in the last eight of the Champions League on April 8 and 16. body check tags ::
