Alessia Russo scored twice with headers in the second half as Arsenal fought back to claim a crucial 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage.
Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir had given the visitors the lead with a stunning volley in the first half, but Arsenal responded after the break. Chloe Kelly’s cross found Russo for the equalizer in the 52nd minute, and Beth Mead’s corner was met by the England striker again in the 73rd minute to complete the turnaround.
Despite threats from Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo and Naomie Feller, Arsenal held firm to secure all three points.
Post-Match Reaction
Real Madrid manager Pau Quesada: “I felt we deserved more. It was a very close game — the key moment was when we didn’t go 2-0 up. I’m still very proud of the aggression and identity we showed. It’s hard to accept this defeat.”
Arsenal interim head coach Renee Slegers: “This block has been challenging for us. We really needed the three points. Today the result was more important than the performance. The way the players responded under pressure was top level — I’m really proud of the group.”
Why This Win Matters
Arsenal arrived at Meadow Park without a win in their previous three matches: a 3-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and draws against Tottenham and Chelsea in the WSL. Another slip could have seriously jeopardized direct qualification to the quarter-finals.
The victory lifts Arsenal back into the top eight with two league-phase games remaining — home to FC Twente and away to OH Leuven.
Analysis: Not Pretty, But Effective
This was far from the dominant Arsenal that lifted the trophy last season. The team is still searching for the fluency that made them European champions and is struggling to meet heightened expectations.
Credit to Slegers, however: four changes freshened the attack, Olivia Smith looked dangerous throughout, Chloe Kelly started and delivered the assist for the first goal, and substitute Beth Mead changed the game with her set-piece delivery.
Around 3,000 fans braved freezing conditions at Meadow Park and left happy. On a night when style points were in short supply, Arsenal got exactly what they needed — a result that can kick-start their season in both the WSL and Europe.
