Arsenal Women are set to clash with Real Madrid Femenino this Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano, marking their first-ever meeting in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45 PM UK time, as both teams look to capitalize on their respective form and progress to the semifinals.
Both teams come to this encounter with significant momentum. Arsenal concluded their group stage on a high note, finishing top of Group C with victories over teams like Bayern Munich, including a thrilling 3-2 win during their final group match. Their performance this season has reignited hopes for another triumph within Europe, as Arsenal seeks to add to their history as the only English side to have lifted the Champions League trophy, having done so back during the 2006/07 season.
On the other side, Real Madrid, who transitioned from TACON to their current stature only recently, finished second to Chelsea in Group B. Despite their relative youth as a club, they have successfully qualified for the Champions League knockout stages every year since their inception and are now intent on making just their second deep run, having reached the quarter-finals previously during the 2021/22 season.
Leading Arsenal is new manager Renée Slegers, who took the helm following Jonas Eidevall’s departure last year. Slegers has quickly instilled confidence within the squad, who are coming off an impressive 3-1 victory over Everton. "We have shown strong resilience throughout this competition and are stepping onto the pitch with confidence," Slegers stated during her pre-match press conference.
Despite the optimism, Arsenal has its challenges; Daphne van Domselaar remains sidelined due to concussion, and Lotte Wubben-Moy is also out with injury. Newly added players like Laia Codina provide fresh energy and depth as they prepare for this high-stakes encounter.
Real Madrid enters the match under slightly different circumstances. They recently drew 2-2 with Deportivo and suffered another setback by being eliminated from the Copa de la Reina by Barcelona. Despite this, head coach Alberto Toril remains optimistic. "I expect a close tie between two teams performing well. We must take control of the match's key moments to secure the result we want," Toril expressed.
A significant absence for Madrid is midfielder Teresa Abelleira, who will miss the match due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during international duty. The absence of Abelleira, along with defender Rocio Galvez, will make Madrid’s task even more challenging. Nonetheless, the team features prominent players such as Caroline Weir, Olga Carmona (who netted the winning goal for Spain at the 2023 World Cup), and rising stars like Linda Caicedo.
Anyone watching this encounter should also keep their eyes peeled on Arsenal's forward, Beth Mead. Having become increasingly influential, Mead's recent performance against Everton, where she provided key assists and created chances, positions her as one to watch closely. Slegers may rely on Mead's ability to exploit spaces left by Madrid’s aggressively attacking left-back, Olga Carmona.
Historically, both teams come with notable credentials and stories. Since Real Madrid was formed out of the merger with TACON in 2020, they have evolved rapidly, boasting talented players like Signe Bruun and Linda Caicedo, who have proven their worth on the international stage as well. Their attacking play and rapid transitions could pose problems for Arsenal’s defense, especially if they can find the right rhythm early.
The atmosphere at Estadio Alfredo di Stefano is expected to be electric. Madrid fans are known for their passionate support, and with this being the first meeting of these clubs, the anticipation runs high. Will Arsenal’s experience and strategy be enough to carry them through against a team eager to assert its new identity against formidable opponents?
The match will be available for UK viewers on DAZN’s YouTube channel and TNT Sports, with comprehensive coverage starting at 5:30 PM. For those tuning in from different time zones, kick-off will happen at 1:45 PM Eastern Time and 10:45 AM Pacific Time.
With both teams eager to secure early advantage, this first leg of the quarter-finals promises to be nothing short of gripping. Following the game, the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on March 26, 2025, will be equally thrilling as both sides look to secure their place among Europe’s best.
