Alessia Russo reacts during Arsenal's Women's Champions League defeat to Real MadridReuters

Arsenal had 13 attempts - but only one was on target

Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal must overcome a 2-0 first-leg deficit if they are to advance to the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League after losing to Real Madrid on a pitch Gunners legend Ian Wright labelled a "disgrace".

A mistake by England captain Leah Williamson allowed Colombia forward Linda Caicedo to fire the hosts ahead midway through the first half in Spain's capital.

The 20-year-old produced a composed finish in what was Real's only attempt of the first half on target after Williamson failed to cut out a pass to Caicedo.

Arsenal found it heavy going in wet conditions at Estadio Alfredo di Stefano on what was a dreadful pitch.

Former England men's striker Wright described the playing surface as a "disgrace" on social media.

The pitch at the home of Real Madrid men's reserves deteriorated at a rapid rate, making free-flowing football difficult for both sides.

However, Arsenal did have their chances.

At 0-0 Stina Blackstenius forced Misa Rodriguez into a flying save after combining with Alessia Russo before Beth Mead went close from outside the box at the end of the first half.

Danish referee Frida Klarlund waved away Arsenal appeals for a second-half penalty after a challenge by Maria Mendez on substitute Chloe Kelly, before Real Madrid doubled their lead through substitute Athenea del Castillo after an assist by ex-Gunners player Caroline Weir.

The return leg takes place at Emirates Stadium on 26 March, with the winners facing Bayern Munich or Lyon in the semi-finals. Lyon beat Bayern 2-0 in their quarter-final first leg in Germany on Tuesday.

Arsenal's Steph Catley in action with Real Madrid's Signe BruunReuters

The match was played in teeming rain in Madrid

Real Madrid players celebrate in mud-splattered white kitGetty Images

Real Madrid players celebrate in mud-splattered white kit

Gunners face uphill battle at Emirates

Arsenal will still have hope they can turn the tie around when the teams meet in London for the return leg next week.

One positive manager Renee Slegers and her players will cling to is the Emirates pitch will be a vast improvement on the one in Madrid.

With rain falling throughout the game it easily cut up, and by full-time resembled a mud bath.

Wright's criticism came after complaints from Chelsea players and pundits about the pitch for the Women's League Cup final at Derby County's Pride Park last Saturday.

Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert said it was "not fit for a final" after her side beat Manchester City 2-1.

In a video posted during Tuesday's game, Wright said: "Watching the Champions League quarter-final. Real Madrid's pitch - this is worse than Derby's pitch the other day in the Conti Cup final.

"This is a disgrace the pitches these girls have to play on."

Arsenal's players struggled to come to terms with the tough conditions in their first Champions League match since Slegers' appointment as head coach was made permanent in January.

Yet they will feel they could have done better with both goals they conceded.

As well as Williamson's mistake for the first, Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger could only push Del Castillo's shot across goal into the net.

Real Madrid finished the game with 16-year-old substitute midfielder Irune Dorado on the pitch after losing Melanie Leupolz to a knee injury which saw the former Chelsea midfielder leave the field in tears.

Arsenal fans react during their team's Women's Champions League game with Real MadridGetty Images

Around 300 Arsenal fans travelled to Spain to watch their team at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano

Player of the match

L. Caicedo
7.55
18 L. Caicedo
7.55
10 C. Weir
7.13
24 M. Leupolz
6.94
21 F. Angeldahl
6.92
6 S. Toletti
6.84
7 Olga Carmona
6.80
9 S. Bruun
6.78
22 Athenea del Castillo
6.66
14 María Méndez
6.63
15 Sheila García
6.63
36 Irune Dorado
6.49
1 Misa
6.40
23 M. Lakrar
6.39
20 N. Feller
6.02
5 Antônia
5.78
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After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.

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