Real Madrid claim first Champions League league-phase win against Paris FC

Real Madrid defeated Paris FC 3-0 at the Alfredo Di Stéfano to claim their first win in the Champions League league phase. After a scoreless first half, Arianna Caruso opened the scoring in the 54th minute, before Lineth Beerensteyn and Linda Caicedo extended the lead. The victory gives Real Madrid three points and moves them closer to the top of the standings.

The match had initially proved difficult for Pau Quesada’s side. Real Madrid came into Europe after a league setback at Lezama and were still seeking their first win in this phase. Three consecutive draws against PSG, Manchester City and Bayern had also preceded the fixture. Laia López was named in the starting line-up, making her first appearance of the season and her debut in Europe’s leading competition. Athenea del Castillo, meanwhile, reached 50 continental appearances for Real Madrid.

Despite raising their tempo, the Madrid side struggled to turn pressure into goals. In the 42nd minute, Caruso’s free kick struck the crossbar, the clearest chance of a first half in which Real Madrid had come close without finding a way through.

Pau Quesada brought on Beerensteyn for Athenea at half-time, with Athenea carrying a yellow card, in an attempt to add impetus to the attack. The change paid off. After Jacinto won possession and Cristóbal carried the ball forward, Schröder forced Seweryn to parry her shot; Caruso collected the rebound and scored. She had earlier seen a header hit the bar.

Paris FC tried to respond, but Laia López held Le Moguédec’s shot. In the next move, Schröder threaded a pass through to Beerensteyn, who struck a right-footed finish to make it 2-0 in the 65th minute. Caicedo, back on the pitch in the 60th minute after calf discomfort had forced her off at Lezama, then completed the scoring. Schröder combined with her in the build-up, before Caicedo finished with a delicate touch.

The 3-0 result gives Real Madrid their first victory in the league phase and a response after three straight draws. They also kept a clean sheet. Their next domestic fixture is against Badalona.