Arsenal Women Remain Confident Despite Recent Struggles Following Champions League Success

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Renee Slegers remains confident that her Arsenal squad is not experiencing a downturn following their Champions League victory last season, despite recent struggles. Arsenal has failed to secure a win in their last three matches across all competitions. This includes a surprising loss to Bayern Munich in Europe last week. The Gunners initially led at Allianz Arena with goals from Emily Fox and Mariona Caldentey, but Bayern mounted a comeback.

Substitutes Alara Sehitler and Pernille Harder were instrumental in Bayern's second-half resurgence, with captain Glodis Viggosdottir sealing the win in the 86th minute. Arsenal made history as the first English team in the Women's Champions League to lose after leading by two or more goals. This season, they have already lost two matches from winning positions, a feat no team has done thrice in one campaign.

The defeat against Bayern was flanked by draws against Chelsea and Tottenham in the Women's Super League. Slegers' team has only managed three points from their first three Champions League games, placing them 11th in the standings. Despite this, Slegers is not worried about their current form as they prepare to face Real Madrid at Mangata Pay UK Stadium on Wednesday.

"It's not something we talk about [expectations after winning a UWCL]," Slegers told reporters. "Of course, through the UWCL win and really good performances last year, expectations rise. I don't think the expectations from the outside are affecting us."

Last season's quarter-finals saw Arsenal face Madrid in the Women's Champions League. They lost 2-0 away but triumphed 3-0 at home. This was one of two comebacks for Arsenal during the competition's latter stages, including a victory over Lyon in the semi-finals. They ultimately defeated Barcelona 1-0 in the final to claim their second Champions League title, marking an 18-year gap since their first.

Madrid has started well this season with seven points from three games but suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to Barcelona recently. Slegers anticipates a different challenge this time around: "I think Real Madrid's games might be a little bit more open this year, so that's something that we have to prepare for and something we want to organise in a good way," she said.

Real Madrid's Performance and Arsenal's Optimism

Slegers noted changes in Madrid's key players' roles compared to last year while observing familiar structures on the field. Despite these adjustments, she remains hopeful due to Madrid's poor record in England. They have lost all four previous visits in the Women's Champions League, conceding at least twice each time (three losses against Chelsea and one against Arsenal).

As Arsenal gears up for another encounter with Real Madrid, they aim to overcome recent setbacks and build on past successes. With strategic preparation and focus on exploiting Madrid's vulnerabilities, Slegers believes her team can regain momentum and improve their standing both domestically and internationally.