Powerful Paris prove too strong for an Arsenal side lacking "big-game" preparation

Arsenal head coach Joe Montemurro bemoaned his side's lack of competitive match practice ahead of their Women's Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris St.Germain.

"Big-game intensities, big-game scenarios and big-game physicality, they can only be replicated in big games. We haven't had any. That's the truth, but it's not an excuse," said Montemurro.

The match in northern Spain was Arsenal's first since February and it was 296 days since their last tie in Europe, completing a 13-2 aggregate victory against Slavia Prague in the last 16. 

PSG were fresh from playing the French League Cup final and the extra preparation showed in the 2-1 victory. Arsenal had done well to get back on terms thanks to Beth Mead's equaliser but failed to create any further meaningful chances after Signe Bruun scored what proved to be the winner.

"They are a powerful team. They have powerful players. Obviously, having the opportunity to play two important games, they prepared a little bit better, but I make no excuses for that," Montemurro added.

"We make the best of the situation and so be it. I'm still proud of the players, the planning, the preparation. The staff have been brilliant. We did what we could with the circumstances we were given."