Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, while eight-time champions Lyon claimed a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich to take control of their tie.
Real Madrid Strike Twice to Punish Arsenal
Arsenal started strongly at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, controlling possession and dictating the tempo in the early stages. However, despite their attacking intent, it was Real Madrid who struck first, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take the lead in the 22nd minute.
Sandie Toletti intercepted an Arsenal pass deep in her own half before quickly launching a counter-attack. The ball found former Manchester United forward Signe Bruun, who played a perfectly weighted pass to Colombian international Linda Caicedo. The 19-year-old forward showed incredible composure, holding off USA defender Emily Fox before surging into the penalty area and finishing clinically into the bottom left corner.
Caicedo & Dumornay rising to the occasion #UWCLPOTM || @VisaUK pic.twitter.com/uKP5IgkePv
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) March 19, 2025
The goal shifted the momentum of the match, with Real Madrid growing in confidence as Arsenal struggled to break through the Spanish side’s disciplined defense.
Beth Mead came close to equalizing just before halftime, but her effort rolled agonizingly past Misa Rodríguez’s right-hand post. Arsenal, appearing in their record-equalling 16th quarter-final, increased the pressure in the second half, forcing Misa into several key saves. However, their hopes of a comeback were crushed eight minutes from time.
Athenea del Castillo Seals the Win for Madrid
Real Madrid doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute with another devastating counter-attack. Former Manchester City midfielder Caroline Weir, playing against her former club, threaded a precise pass to substitute Athenea del Castillo down the left channel.
Del Castillo sprinted towards the edge of the Arsenal box before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful strike towards the near post. Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger managed to get a hand to it, but the shot had too much power, deflecting into the corner of the net to seal a 2-0 win for Madrid.
Signe Bruun, who played a key role in Madrid’s attacking moves, expressed her delight after the match.
“It’s a great result and a great win,” said Bruun. “We had to stick together and work as a team. We are very happy with the scoreline, but there is another game to go and now we have to focus on it.”
Arsenal captain Kim Little admitted disappointment but remained hopeful for the return leg in London.
“We are sad now, but we have to recover so that the second leg will be different,” she said. Arsenal will need to overturn the deficit if they are to reach the semi-finals, where they could face either Bayern Munich or Lyon.
Lyon End Bayern Munich’s Unbeaten Home Run
Elsewhere in the quarter-finals, eight-time champions Lyon took a significant step towards the semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich.
The German side, who had been unbeaten in 11 consecutive home games in the Women’s Champions League, were undone by Lyon’s attacking quality and defensive resilience.
Lyon took the lead in the 35th minute after a mistake from Bayern’s Linda Sembrant. The defender failed to clear the ball properly, allowing Malawi international Tabitha Chawinga to pounce. The forward unleashed a powerful left-footed drive that rocketed past Bayern goalkeeper Maria-Luisa Grohs, giving Lyon a well-deserved lead.
Chawinga, who has been in excellent form in the French league with seven goals for Lyon this season, celebrated her first Women’s Champions League goal of the campaign in style.
Lyon Miss a Penalty but Extend Their Lead
Lyon had a golden opportunity to double their advantage in first-half injury time when they were awarded a penalty. However, Lindsay Horan’s spot-kick was well saved by Grohs, keeping Bayern in the contest heading into the break.
Despite the missed opportunity, Lyon continued to dominate in the second half. They eventually secured their second goal in the 65th minute through Haitian international Melchie Dumornay. The 20-year-old midfielder showcased her dribbling skills and composure inside the box before finishing confidently for her fourth goal in the competition this season.
Lyon triumph in Munich #UWCL pic.twitter.com/M3y6ZREnbg
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) March 18, 2025
Chawinga praised her team’s performance and preparation.
“The performance was good. Our coach told us what we could do tonight, and we prepared for almost a week for it,” she said.
Lyon will now take a strong advantage back to France for the second leg, while Bayern face an uphill battle to turn the tie around.
Second Leg Fixtures Set Up Thrilling Climax
Both Real Madrid and Lyon are in strong positions heading into the second leg, but Arsenal and Bayern Munich will be determined to produce a response in front of their home fans.
With a semi-final spot at stake, the return legs promise to deliver even more drama in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
READ NEXT:
