The Pulse

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.

Czech brand Snuggs, producing period underwear, has partnered with the Manchester City women's football team, becoming the first global period underwear brand to officially collaborate with a professional football club. This partnership reflects the growing interest in women's football and emphasizes the importance of health and comfort for female athletes, contributing to the discussion about menstruation in professional sports.

The collaboration comes at a time when women's football is experiencing unprecedented growth, with increased investments, larger audiences, and sold-out stadiums. Snuggs' involvement aims to support players' well-being and performance, addressing topics often considered taboo, such as menstruation, and promoting open conversations about women's health in sports.

Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Mala Grohs made her first start since undergoing treatment for a malignant tumor, playing in a Women's Champions League quarterfinal match against Olympique Lyonnais. Despite Bayern’s 2-0 defeat, Grohs made a crucial penalty save, denying Lyon a third goal. The match saw goals from Tabitha Chawinga and Melchie Dumornay securing the win for Lyon.

Grohs was diagnosed with the tumor in October 2024 and underwent throat surgery in December. Bayern publicly announced her diagnosis in November and later extended her contract until June 2026 to support her recovery. Her return, highlighted by the penalty save, marks a major milestone in her comeback to professional football.

In a recent interview, Ewa Pajor expressed her amazement at playing for FC Barcelona, stating, "Sometimes I'm at home and it's like: wow I play for Barcelona." She discussed the anticipation of facing her former club, Wolfsburg, in the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals.

Pajor reflected on her journey from Wolfsburg to Barcelona and the emotions tied to competing against her previous team. She emphasized her commitment to contributing to Barcelona's success in the Champions League.

McKenna "Mak" Whitham made history as the youngest player to compete in a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) regular-season match at just 14 years old. She debuted as a stoppage-time substitute for NJ/NY Gotham FC in their 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign. Whitham had already made waves in the soccer world by signing a Nike NIL deal at 13 and later securing a contract with Gotham FC, set to begin in 2025.

In her debut, Whitham received encouragement from coach Juan Carlos Amorós to "enjoy the game and just be you." The match saw Gotham initially take the lead before Seattle equalized, with Gotham finishing with ten players due to a red card. Whitham’s record-breaking appearance highlights the growing opportunities for young talent in professional women's soccer.

Sweden, together with Denmark, has now submitted a preliminary application to organise the European Women's Championship in 2029, writes the Swedish Football Association on its website.

- We will now take on board the evaluation that will follow from Uefa, and then continue the solid work together with DBU (Danish FA) and our host cities to be able to submit a final version of the European Championship application in August that is as effective as possible,’ says Tobias Tibell, acting Secretary General of the FA.

The deadline for submitting a preliminary application was 12 March. Already in September last year, Sweden and Denmark expressed their interest in organising the championship.

The European Football Association (UEFA) is expected to make a decision on hosting in December.

Leah Williamson officially became our record appearance holder in Women's Super League history when she took to the field against Everton on Friday.

The 27-year-old England captain, who has been at the club since the age of eight, made her first-team debut way back in 2014, and on Friday 14. March ahe made her 158th appearance in the WSL. She has started 146 of those 158 matches, and the tally includes her seven matches in the Spring Series, that bridged the gap between the WSL moving from a summer to a winter league in 2017.

The UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals are set to begin this week, with reigning champions FC Barcelona aiming for their third consecutive title. Their journey continues with a rematch against VfL Wolfsburg, the team they overcame in the 2023 final. Other compelling fixtures include an all-English face-off between Manchester City and Chelsea, and Arsenal's challenging encounter with Real Madrid. As the competition heats up, the pressing question remains: can any team halt Barcelona's dominance?