Arsenal's Leah Williamson determined to overturn 2-0 deficit against Real Madrid in Champions League quarter-final
Arsenal defender Leah Williamson believes her team can still progress to the Women's Champions League semi-finals despite losing 2-0 to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie last week.
The Gunners faced significant challenges in the Spanish capital, playing on what was described as an "awful pitch" that failed to meet the required standards. Despite the difficult conditions, Williamson acknowledges that both teams had to contend with the same playing surface, and her frustration stems more from Arsenal's inability to perform at their best.
"I think there was a general feeling that we wasted this potential opportunity. Two teams playing on the same pitch, the pitch wasn't the standard that it needed to be, but we both played on it," Williamson told reporters ahead of Wednesday's crucial second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
The England international emphasized that the team's disappointment was primarily directed inward, adding: "I think that anger is more frustration with ourselves, because we know what we can do. We know we have more, and that's frightening for other teams because I think in that game, we were still competitive. We just need to score goals, and that's what it comes down to, and we need to stop them."
Arsenal showed their attacking prowess in the Women's Super League following the Madrid defeat, thrashing Liverpool 4-0. This performance has reinforced Williamson's belief that the Gunners possess the quality needed to turn the tie around.
Williamson also drew confidence from Arsenal's previous Champions League experiences, particularly referencing a similar situation they overcame against Bayern Munich in a past quarter-final.
"I'll play my role, I'll play my part. I think the experience of overturning the last quarter-final against Bayern, I think that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory," she said. "Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football. When the good things happen, you keep them in your pocketed just as much as the bad, you call on them when you need them."
Renee Slegers' team will need to deliver an exceptional performance to overcome Real Madrid at the Emirates. Following Wednesday's Champions League clash, Arsenal will quickly return to domestic action with a Women's Super League fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
