Arsenal manager Renée Slegers has called for improved pitch conditions in women's football following her team's 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Women's Champions League quarter-final. The match, held at Real Madrid's Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, was played under heavy rain, resulting in a waterlogged and muddy pitch that significantly affected play. Slegers emphasized that enhancing pitch quality should be the "next step for women's football," acknowledging that while weather is uncontrollable, providing better playing surfaces is essential for the sport's progression.
Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright also criticized the pitch, labeling it a "disgrace" and comparing it unfavorably to other recently criticized venues. The subpar conditions not only impacted the quality of play but also raised concerns about player safety, highlighted by an injury to Real Madrid's Melanie Leupolz, who appeared to catch her studs in the muddy surface. The decision to host the match at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, instead of the larger Santiago Bernabéu during the men's international break, has been questioned, underscoring the need for prioritizing suitable venues for high-stakes women's matches.
