Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. However, the deteriorating pitch conditions became a major talking point after the match, making fluid football difficult for both teams.
Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright voiced his frustration on social media, adding to the ongoing debate about playing surfaces in women’s football. His comments followed recent complaints from Chelsea players and pundits regarding the poor condition of the pitch at Pride Park during the Women’s League Cup final.
Arsenal head coach Jonatan Slegers acknowledged that the wet and muddy conditions played a role in his team’s loss. While he refrained from directly criticizing Real Madrid’s decision to host the match at their reserve stadium rather than the Santiago Bernabéu, he emphasized the need for better playing conditions in the women’s game.
“It’s obviously a club decision, and I’m sure UEFA is trying to create the best conditions for the tournament. But the weather is not always in our control,” Slegers said. “We’ve seen a few matches recently where pitch conditions haven’t been ideal, and I think that’s the next step for women’s football to take.”
Despite knowing the state of the pitch beforehand, Slegers admitted that adapting to such conditions is challenging. “We had a plan for it, but over time, teams develop an identity and a style of play. When reality hits and conditions force you to play differently, it becomes difficult,” he added.
The second leg of the quarter-final will take place at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on March 26, where the Gunners will look to overturn the deficit on home soil.
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