Schröder and Levels take the first leg
Real Madrid CF secured a 0-2 away win against Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League preliminary round tie, courtesy of goals from Felicia Schröder—who scored a stunning direct free-kick right on the stroke of half-time—and Janou Levels. Pau Quesada's side are now closing in on a place in the group stage. The return leg will take place on Wednesday 2nd September at 20:00 CEST.
26 AUG 2026
Real Madrid Femenino came out eager to claim the victory. Just nine minutes in, the first major chance of the match fell to Linda Caicedo, but Liefting denied the Colombian's effort. Andreia Jacinto also tried her luck following a corner kick. Ajax looked to grow into the match, but never quite settled. It was a completely different story for the visitors, who threatened again through Keukelaar. Meanwhile, the Dutch side also forced Frohms into action, the goalkeeper pulling off a fine diving save to prevent a goal. Before the break, Keukelaar hit the woodwork, and it was Schröder who finally broke the deadlock with a stunning direct free-kick that flew into the back of the net to make it 0-1.
After the restart, Pau Quesada withdrew Linda Caicedo and brought Noe Bejarano onto the pitch. Eva Navarro was pushed further forward, allowing the full-back from Cádiz to slot in at right-back. Frohms had to produce two crucial one-on-one saves to prevent an equaliser. Angeldahl came on for the team. As the minutes ticked away, Ajax dropped their attacking intensity. Shortly after, Janou Levels made up for an earlier miss by firing home from inside the box following good work by Keukelaar, making it 0-2. The full-back celebrated in tears. Silvia Cristóbal, Comendador and Beerensteyn entered the fray in the closing stages to wrap up a victory that they will look to seal on Wednesday, 2 September at 20:00 CEST at the Alfredo Di Stéfano, where the return leg will be played.