Real Madrid were eliminated from the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday after conceding what coach Alberto Torrel described as a “childish” penalty during a 1-0 home loss to Paris FC.
Real Madrid sit last in Group D with just one point from four games, with a loss to Paris making it mathematically impossible for them to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.
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The result marks the second year in a row that the Madrid women’s team – officially launched in 2020 – has been eliminated in the group stage.
Paris player Gaetan Thiene scored the only goal of the match in the 78th minute, converting a penalty kick after midfielder Maite Orouz committed a clumsy foul on Celina Hussein, as the defender moved away from the goal.
“We go home sad because of the result,” Turel said in a post-match press conference. “Either team could have won. The childish penalty decided the game. You can’t give away that penalty, and it decided the game. I say a childish penalty because [the contact] It is minimal, but it is clear. “We cannot abandon this kind of punishment.”
Despite the team’s disappointing performance in the Champions League – a 2-2 home draw with Chelsea followed by defeat to Hacken and back-to-back losses to Paris FC – Turrell said the team is “growing”.
“If you look at UEFA’s coefficients, we are in the top ten,” he said. “It’s a matter of time. We’ve had a lot of problems that cost us. That means we haven’t been able to show our potential.”
Real Madrid is second in La Liga F, nine points behind Barcelona, but has faced a difficult season due to injuries to stars Caroline Weir and Golden Girl winner Linda Caicedo.
“We are not looking for excuses about injuries, but it is clear,” Turel said. “This is a growing project that requires work. We have to grow, accept the situation, improve and achieve our goals… When you try, it does not mean failure.”
