Alessia Russo scored twice as Arsenal produced a brilliant second-half performance to overturn a first-leg deficit and defeat Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, March 26th, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Arsenal dominated the first half but struggled to break down the Spanish side. Mariona Caldentey came closest, heading against the crossbar from a corner, while Chloe Kelly’s dangerous crosses went unconverted. Real Madrid almost snatched a crucial away goal just before halftime, but Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made a vital double save to deny Filippa Angeldahl and Linda Caicedo (though Caicedo was offside).
The game transformed dramatically within minutes of the restart. Russo gave Arsenal the lead on the night just 43 seconds into the second half, meeting Kelly’s curling cross. Three minutes later, Caldentey headed in another superb Kelly delivery to level the tie on aggregate.
Russo struck again in the 59th minute with a close-range finish, putting Arsenal ahead in the tie for the first time. The England striker was denied a hat-trick twice by VAR offside decisions and also missed a one-on-one opportunity against Real goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez.
Real Madrid pushed for a late equalizer, with Caicedo forcing another save from Van Domselaar in added time, while Caitlin Foord missed a chance to seal it further for Arsenal, shooting wide of an open goal under pressure.
The victory represents a significant achievement for Arsenal manager Renee Slegers, keeping their hopes of silverware alive after FA Cup elimination and sitting eight points behind leaders Chelsea in the WSL. The Gunners displayed impressive intensity and aggression, particularly in the second half, to overcome their first-leg deficit.
Arsenal, who last reached the final of this competition when they won it as part of a historic quadruple in 2007, will now face record eight-time winners Lyon in the semi-finals. Lyon defeated Bayern Munich 6-1 on aggregate in their quarter-final tie.
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